Tharaka-Nithi senate aspirant arrested for failure to pay for cars used in campaign launch

A man aspiring to vie for the Tharaka-Nithi County senate seat in the 2017 elections is being held at the Chuka Police Station after failing to pay for vehicles he had hired during his campaign launch.

Mr Mugao Ichenga, a former political advisor of Governor Samuel Ragwa, who retired from his position to join politics, was arrested on Saturday following a confrontation with the drivers of the hired vehicles in Chuka Town.

The four tax drivers from Meru Town were demanding more than Sh50,000 from Mr Mugao who had declined to pay them, arguing that the launch had been postponed.

Chuka deputy police boss James Kilonzo said preliminary investigations showed that the politician had not paid any money for the hired vehicles.

“We are still doing investigations on the matter but Mr Mugao could be on the wrong,” said Mr Kilonzo.

One of the drivers, Mr Alfred Marete, said they were hired to ferry supporters from Meru Town to Kirubia Stadium in Chuka Town where the launch was to be held.

“None of us has received a single coin from Mr Mugao. We had even used our money to fuel the vehicles,” said Mr Marete.

Speaking to Nation from the police cells, Mr Mugao accused his political opponents of being behind his woes.

“I had made some down payment for every vehicle and agreed with the drivers that I was to pay the rest of the amount after the launch. But I was surprised when they started demanding more than what we had agreed on,” he said.

“The drivers must have been incited by my rivals but the attempt is a clear indication that my opponents are a worried lot,” said Mr Mugao.