Activist Brian Weke records statement over alleged attack
Elections Observer Group chairman Brian Weke speaks during a press conference at the agency's office on March 7, 2016. He has been accused of attacking an ODM aspirant for Suba North constituency. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Nairobi police boss Japheth Koome confirmed that political activist Mr Weke was among the 11 people who recoded statements.
- Last Sunday, Mr Akali reported to the police that his life was under threat.
Political activist Brian Weke was arrested over an alleged attack on an ODM Suba North constituency aspirant.
Mr James Akali, who is seeking to dislodge incumbent Millie Odhiambo, was attacked in Nairobi at Lang'ata's T-Mall.
Speaking to Nation on phone, Mr Akali said the action precipitated after he filed an appeal over what he termed as "massive irregularities" in the Monday nomination.
The assailants, among them activist Brian Weke, accosted him and his bodyguards.
"I suspect they had been tracking me. They were a group of about 10 men including Brian Weke.
"I had gone to withdraw some cash at the mall and as I came out Weke drew a gun and questioned why I was giving Millie Odhiambo a hard time before his group attacked the three of us," Mr Akali said.
SUSPECTS ARRESTED
He added that he managed to escape, leaving his guards to face the gang's wrath.
"One of them (bodyguards) lost his tooth in the fight. I managed to call the police who responded swiftly and executed the arrests."
Nairobi police boss Japheth Koome confirmed that political activist Mr Weke was among the 11 people who recoded statements at Lang’ata Police Station today in relation to the incident.
The battle for the Raila Odinga-led party ticket in the constituency had turned tragic after a man campaigning for Ms Odhiambo was killed in Mbita during the nomination.
THREATS
Last Sunday, Mr Akali reported to the police that his life was under threat.
He claimed that unknown people were trailing him with the intention of causing harm due to his "popularity ahead of the primaries".
Protests ensued after Ms Odhiambo was declared victorious.
Consequently, Mr Akali lodged a complaint with the party’s appeals tribunal.
The ruling is expected to be made today.
