Tobiko directs probe on City Hall office fiasco

What you need to know:

  • Last week the County Assembly summoned Mr Tobiko and Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet to shed light on the status of their investigations regarding the scuffle at the premises.
  • In a letter dated April 11 to the DPP, the clerk, Jacob Ngwele, wanted the enforcement of provisions of the County Assembly’s powers and privileges Act 2017 that describes the precincts of the assembly and the privileges on its accessibility.

Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko now wants police to conduct investigations over a row on office space at City Hall.

Mr Tobiko, on Tuesday, directed CID boss Ndegwa Muhoro to commence investigations into the fiasco that led to a clash on April 7, leaving three injured.

Last week the County Assembly summoned Mr Tobiko and Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet to shed light on the status of their investigations regarding the scuffle at the premises.

Mr Tobiko was scheduled to appear before the Assembly’s select Committee on Powers and Privileges on Tuesday but decided to respond through a letter directing investigations over the matter.

“I have been directed by the DPP to direct you to immediately and urgently commence thorough investigations into the complaint and submit the resultant police file to the DPP for perusal and directions within 14 days from the date hereof,” read the letter signed by deputy DPP Nicholas Mutuku.

The Assembly has been engaged in a tussle with the county executive over occupation of the Fourth floor of the northern wing of City Hall since 2013.

In a letter dated April 11 to the DPP, the clerk, Jacob Ngwele, wanted the enforcement of provisions of the County Assembly’s powers and privileges Act 2017 that describes the precincts of the assembly and the privileges on its accessibility.

The letter to the DPP alleged that on April 7, the chief officer in charge of inspectorate Francis Munyambu together with Caleb Otieno, Albert Koech and Eva Wairuko, led a contingent of county askaris and firemen armed with grinders, hydraulic cutters and other assorted heavy metallic equipment and invaded the premises and lobbed teargas canisters at the members and staff of the county assembly.

House minority leader Abdi Guyo said that the four were to appear before the select Committee on May 29 over the allegations but they did not show up.

Mr Tobiko was also informed that Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) were assaulted and assaulted using abusive language.

The clerk, in his letter to the DPP, said that Kangemi MCA Peter Isuha and his Kitisuru Alvin Palapala were beaten and assaulted. The sergeant-at-arms was also assaulted, abused and threatened, he said.

He said the incident was reported and booked at KICC police post (OB No.18/07/04/2017).