Kondele MCA Oketch arrested over disturbance

Kondele ward representative Joachim Oketch was arrested in connection with the disruption of training of electoral agency officials.

Mr Oketch was apprehended by flying squad police officers on Saturday.

Kisumu Criminal Investigation officer Geoffrey Kathurima said he is being held in Kericho.

"We took him to Kericho where he cannot incite the public to come and interfere with our investigations. We are allowed to hold him in any police station," Mr Kathurima said.

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VANDALISM

Mr Oketch, alias Swagga, was arrested when he was having dinner with his cousin, Billbill Ouma, in Kisumu Town by four officers.

Last Wednesday, youths disrupted a planned training of Kisumu Central presiding officers and their deputies at Huduma Centre, vandalising tents and plastic chairs.

Mr Oketch, while speaking to the Nation, said he was driven from Kisumu to Koru police station at night.

According to the MCA, he was approached at the joint at around 8.30pm by two officers who told him he was under arrest but did not give reasons why.

DEMONSTRATIONS

He was then ushered into a vehicle where two other officers were waiting.

Mr Oketch said the officers never mentioned any charges against him.

"These officers never told me why I was arrested. They only said I am among leaders who organise demonstrations in Kisumu."

Since his arrest, he said, he has been held at different police stations: Chemelil, Koru, Kericho, Chagaik and Sosiot.

CRIMINAL

On Sunday morning, he talked to his wife Mercy Akinyi and lawyer Francis Olel.

"There is no need to arrest him like a criminal, his phones confiscated. Police should stop acting suspiciously. His arrest was not recorded in any occurrence book in Kisumu," Mr Olel said.

The lawyer said his client was not involved in the interference at Huduma Center.

Mr Kathurima said the MCA is likely to be charged in a Kericho court.