Police probe death threats on Nyali MP Hezron Awiti
Nyali MP Hezron Awiti speaks to journalists at a past event. He has admitted owning the building where a hazardous lead smelting factory is located, but denies links to the firm. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Deputy Commandant James Kithuka said police were investigating the claim.
- In a press statement, Mr Awiti accused County Commandant Robert Kitur of not being in control of the police force.
- According to him, his life was being threatened because of his stand against corruption and mismanagement of resources by the county government.
- Asked why the Nyali MP was facing problems with the county government, Kongowea MCA Jabess Mdhai Odour (ODM) said it was all 2017 politics.
Police in Mombasa say they are investigating a claim by Nyali MP Hezron Awiti that his life is in danger following a brawl.
Speaking to the Sunday Nation in his office on Friday, Deputy Commandant James Kithuka said police were investigating the claim.
“This is an assault case, and we are doing what we can to bring the culprit to book,” he said.
In a press statement, Mr Awiti accused County Commandant Robert Kitur of not being in control of the police force.
“I have twice been attacked and have reported the matter to the police but no arrests or action has been taken,” he claimed.
Enumerating a number of attacks reported to the police without action, the MP said that during the campaign period leading to the 2013 General Election, he was attacked by gun-wielding people but no action was taken against them.
STAND AGAINST CORRUPTION
According to him, his life was being threatened because of his stand against corruption and mismanagement of resources by the county government.
The MP is worried that the Mombasa residents are getting a raw deal from their county government that he says has failed to act appropriately to change their social lives.
“Everybody was optimistic and expected the devolution funds to trickle down from national to county and to ward levels but that is not the case here (Mombasa),” he said in the statement.
Contacted for comments, the governor press team leader Esther Ingolo dismissed the MP’s statement saying he has never been ‘soft’ on the county government.
“Just send me some of his complaints on email and I will respond immediately,” she instructed by phone.
But when that was done she went silent and did not answer calls.
Asked why the Nyali MP was facing problems with the county government, Kongowea MCA Jabess Mdhai Odour (ODM) said it was all 2017 politics.
“Remember immediately when I declared interest in the governor’s seat some funny things started happening to me,” he said on a phone interview.
On whether he had shelved the idea, the MCA said he had only slowed down but he was still in the race for the gubernatorial seat come the next polls.
