Minister Godhana arrested over Tana clashes

Dhadho Godhana is being held at Muthaiga Police Station, Nairobi in connection to the Tana River clashes September 12, 2012

What you need to know:

  • Galole MP arrested at the Panari Hotel by Flying Squad officers and booked into custody at the Muthaiga Police Station.
  • President Kibaki orders arrest of those fanning Tana Delta violence.

Livestock assistant minister Dhadho Godhana was picked up by police in Nairobi Wednesday.

The Galole MP was arrested at the Panari Hotel on Mombasa road by Flying Squad officers and booked into custody at the Muthaiga Police Station.

He is expected to be charged in court later Wednesday afternoon.

Last week, Mr Godhana recorded a statement at the CID headquarters over allegations of his involvement in the Tana River killings that have claimed over 100 lives.

Acting Internal Security minister Yusuf Haji ordered the police to investigate the Galole legislator over the killings and told Parliament that the violence was politically instigated.

Mr Haji also accused the MP citing his refusal to attend a peace meeting called between the government and representatives of the Orma and Pokomo communities.

Fanning violence

Mr Godhana’s arrest comes just hours after President Kibaki ordered that those fanning the violence should be apprehended.

“These include those based in Nairobi, Tana River and other parts of the country plus those funding the skirmishes,” said a statement from the Presidential Press Service.

The President’s directive came after a meeting with Coast MPs at his Harambee House office, Nairobi Wednesday.

The MPs, under the Coast Parliamentary Group, expressed full support for the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the government Monday.

During the meeting, it was resolved that more security personnel be deployed to the Tana Delta as victims are provided with humanitarian support including food and non-food items, reconstruction of houses and restocking.

The meeting also agreed on a government-brokered leaders' meeting, intensified peace and reconciliation initiatives and assistance of Lamu, Malindi and other hospitals to cope with the situation.

The talks were attended by Defence minister Yusuf Haji and acting Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia among other senior government officials.