Catherine Waruguru arrested in Nanyuki town

Police on Friday arrested Laikipia Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru over an alleged incitement plot.

Ms Waruguru was arrested at the Sportsman's Arms Hotel in Nanyuki town. The Woman Rep had gone to protest the arrest of operators of Toyota Probox and Toyota Sienta who police claimed were planning to demonstrate during Friday's visit by the Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.

Dr Matiang'i was in Nanyuki for a series of security meetings with Laikipia County leaders.

Ms Waruguru's first encounter with the police was at the Vineyard Hotel where she had a heated debate with Nanyuki Police Station OCS Abdi Ali.

"Instead of doing their jobs of securing Laikipia, police are busy harassing businessmen. The operators were just holding their regular meeting when they were ambushed and arrested," she said.

The police allowed her to go to the Sportsman's Arms Hotel where she was arrested soon after Dr Matiang'i left the venue.

She was released from Nanyuki Police Station on Friday evening on a free bond, police saying they would summon her later for further questioning.

They did not specify the date of the summons but said they were consolidating charges.

Probox and Sienta owners have been complaining of police harassment besides agitating for licences to operate as public service vehicles.

The vehicles are barred from offering public transport services under the Traffic Act and have been cited for overloading, carrying as many as 10 passengers in the five-seater cars.