Shinyalu MP 'free' after recording statement over chaos

Shinyalu MP Silverse Lisamula is assisted by his aide to get back on his feet after a struggle with a National Youth Service youth during a function at Solio grounds in Shinyalu on July 14, 2017. The MP has been arrested over the incident. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Police released Mr Anami after recording a statement but told him to report back on Monday.
  • The MP will face charges ranging from incitement to malicious damage of property.

Shinyalu MP Silverse Anami has been released by police after he recorded a statement in connection with the commotion at a function presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Sicily Kariuki.

The lawmaker was set free shortly after Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale visited the Kakamega police station after learning about Mr Anami's arrest.

DISRUPT

Police released Mr Anami after recording a statement but told him to report back on Monday.

Police had pounced on the lawmaker at a road block on Saturday morning as he left a church within Khayega market; he was in his vehicle heading to Kakamega town.

Western regional police commander Moses Ombati said the lawmaker was being questioned in connection with the chaos at Solio grounds in Shinyalu constituency on Friday.

CHARGES

He said the MP will face charges ranging from incitement to malicious damage of property.

"We have been looking for the MP and caught up with him as he left a church on his way to Kakamega town.

"He is being questioned and will record a statement before he is arraigned in court on Monday," Mr Ombati said.

INTIMIDATE

But Senator Khalwale and the MP said the action amounted to intimation and unnecessary harassment.

"We are reading mischief in this matter. The police have waded into the political arena in Kakamega and we will not be intimidated," Senator Khalwale said.

He also said the MP would only report back after the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet writes to them explaining reasons for the arrest.

"I came here today because Mr Anami was arrested. We have managed to secure his release, however his release is conditional that he should report back to the station on Monday," Senator Khalwale said.

RIVALRY

Mr Anami said Jubilee is out to slow down the Opposition by using the police and local administration officials.

"Jubilee does not want people to choose their leaders freely but we will continue educating our people to ensure our communities remain united and support the opposition," the MP said.

LEFT OUT

Mr Ombati said law enforcers had gone to the legislator's home in the morning but did not find him.

"Our officers started tracking him down and caught up with him as he was being driven to Kakamega town," the police boss said.

Mr Ombati explained that the MP had gone to the function and protested that he had not been involved in the preparations.

TEARGAS
Ms Kariuki was in Shinayalu to launch the Youth Empowerment Programme targeting 900 youths.

"When the MP arrived, he caused a commotion by disrupting the function presided over by the CS forcing police officers to lob teargas canisters to disperse rival youth groups who were engaging in a fight," Mr Ombati added.