Special police unit formed to probe Nyeri MCAs beating

Women MCAs from Nyeri address journalists at Green Hills Hotel on May 31, 2016 where some of them alleged they were physically and sexually harassed by supporters of Governor Nderitu Gachagua at Kabaru. A special police unit has been formed to probe the incident. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The special police unit will comprise the regular police and officers from the DCI.
  • Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi had called for the removal of Mr Kieng’ for failing to protect the MCAs who were battered.
  • But the police boss said that none of the 25 ward reps have reported to the police or recorded official statements.
  • Police maintained that anybody found culpable of assaulting the MCAs would be arrested and charged regardless of their status.

A special police unit has been formed to investigate an incident in which about 25 ward representatives from Nyeri were beaten by people believed to be supporters of Governor Nderitu Gachagua.

The incident happened on Monday at Kabaru trading centre in Kieni when the MCAs attended a function presided over by Governor Gachagua as they sought to show solidarity with Kabaru Ward rep Duncuan Gituanja.

In an exclusive interview with the Nation, Central Regional Police Coordinator Larry Kieng’ also confirmed that one person had been arrested and will be taken to court on Friday.

Following protests from members of parliament over failure to arrest the perpetrators, top police officials have come out in defence, maintaining that investigations were underway.

Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi had called for the removal of Mr Kieng’ for failing to protect the MCAs who were battered.

SEXUAL ASSAULT CLAIMS

Some women MCAs also claimed that they had been sexually assaulted by the goons purportedly hired by the governor.

However the police boss said that none of the 25 ward reps have reported to the police or recorded official statements.

“There is no official complainant on the assault accusations so the MCAs should play their part and record statements with the authorities,” said Mr Kieng’.

The special police unit handling the investigations will comprise the regular police and officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The leaders who were assaulted have been instructed to report to the Nyeri County Police Commander, Eunice Kihiko.

The police also maintained that anybody found culpable of assaulting the MCAs and organising youth to fight would be arrested and charged regardless of their status.

The regional police boss, however, declined to give a response to calls for disciplinary action against him over the issue but instead told the complainants to record statements first before pointing accusing fingers.

“Let the MCAs report to the police first and record statements then they can accuse me for not making arrests,” said Mr Kieng’.