Speaker urges DPP to open assault probe on MP

Speaker Kenneth Marende has invited the Director of Public Prosecutions, police and House Privileges Committee to probe alleged assault by MP Gideon Mbuvi on a senior parliamentary staff.

The incident of alleged assault is said to have occurred on 11th October.

The parliamentary officer alleged to have been assaulted by Mr Mbuvi is a Senior Sergeant-at-Arms in Parliament. He recorded a statement at the Parliament Police Station on the same day. He has also obtained a Medical Examination Report (P3) from the Kenya Police Surgeon.

"My attention has been drawn to concerns raised regarding allegations of assault made against the Gideon Kioko Mbuvi, Member of Parliament for Makadara Constituency," Speaker Marende said in a statement.

"I have directed all parliamentary officers who may have witnessed the alleged assault to record statements at the Parliament Police Station forthwith. I further appeal to all Honourable Members of Parliament who may have witnessed the alleged assault to record their statements at the Parliament Police Station within the next three days.

"I call upon the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to expedite investigations into this matter and to take all necessary measures," Speaker Marende said.

"My Office takes seriously any breach or abuse of parliamentary powers or privileges. For this reason, I have summoned the members of the Committee of Privileges of Parliament to an urgent meeting of the Committee to discuss and inquire into this matter. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 25th October, 2012 at 2:30 p.m."

Members of the committee include Mutula Kilonzo, Githu Muigai, Millie Odhiambo, Martha Karua, James Gesami, Nuh Nassir, Chris Okemo, Eugene Wamalwa, Peter Munya and Fred Kapondi,