Senator Boni Khalwale arrested as he leads anti-IEBC demos in Kakamega

Senator Boni Khalwale was arrested as he led protests against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in Kakamega Town yesterday.

Police pounced on Dr Khalwale near Kakamega Law Courts shortly after firing tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters. 

The police officers violently shoved the senator as he attempted to force his way to the IEBC offices.

Dr Khalwale engaged in an argument with Kakamega Central police boss Richard Sitienei, whom he accused of breaking up peaceful protests.

The senator said it was wrong for the government to use the police to suppress peaceful demonstrations.

“You arrest the people who killed businessman Jacob Juma instead of harassing peaceful demonstrators,” he added.

He said Kenya would not be peaceful unless elections are conducted in a free and transparent manner.

Dr Khalwale was driven away in an administration police vehicle and locked up at the Kakamega Police Station.

The senator just lost his older brother, Captain Gaeb Ashiono, who collapsed and died last Friday, aged 58 years.

Captain Ashiono was a lecturer at Moi University School of Aerospace Science.

Dr Khalwale said he decided to lead the protests to send a message that Kenyans have  lost confidence in IEBC.

“Life has to go on and that’s why I have decided to lead protests in Kakamega, even though as a family, we are mourning the death of my older brother,’ said the senator.

County DCI boss Ambrose Munyasia said Dr Khalwale would be taken to court but did not specify the charges that will be brought against him.

“We are still working on the charge sheet, but I can confirm that the senator will appear in court in the afternoon,” said Mr Munyasia.

Dr Khalwale was leading Cord supporters to the regional IEBC offices when anti-riot police blocked them.