Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested Keiyo Ward Member of County Assembly Kennedy Mugush.
Mugush, a first-term MCA, was arrested on allegations that he incited members of one community against another community on 26 October 2023.
Kwanza Sub County Police Commander James Odera has confirmed the arrest. He said the MCA was arrested after he incited hundreds of youths to close the office of Keiyo sub location Assistant Chief Simon Pkemoi.
Further, the police boss said the politician will arraigned in Kitale Law Courts, Monday.
“Kennedy Mugush led a group of hooligans and forced out employees then locked Keiyo sub location Assistant Chief’s office thereby sabotaging the Government services in that office and he will charged for the offence of incitement to violence and sabotage,” Odera said.
He further said sabotaging government services is a serious offence and called on members of public to maintain peace while the government addresses their complaint.
“You know locking an Assistant Chief’s office is equivalent to locking the office of the President and denying people government services. That should not be the way to resolve issues,” said the Sub County Police Commander.
Controversy in appointment of Keiyo Assistant Chief
There was tension in the Sub Location for the better part of Friday following the locking of the assistant chief’s office and reports of the arrest of the MCA.
Calm has since been restored in the area.
Appointment of the assist chief had attracted opposition from some of the locals.
In May 2023, a section of locals protested against appointment of Simon Pkemoi as the area Assistant Chief claiming he was a resident of the neighbouring West Pokot County.
Mugush and his team wanted a local to be appointed to serve them as an Assistant Chief. The area had remained without an administrator for over 9 months.
Mid this year, Kwanza Constituency MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi said merit should be used in appointment of an Assistant Chief and called residents to shun tribalism.
On his part, Ozil Kasheusheu, a Nominated MCA in West Pokot County said Pkemoi should be allowed to serve the residents of Keiyo sub location after he emerged the best candidate.
Keiyo sub location borders Kapenguria Constituency in West Pokot County.
