Linda Mwananchi demands release of Trans Nzoia Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale, accuses police of intimidation

Linda Mwananchi demands release of Trans Nzoia Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale, accuses police of intimidation

The movement further claimed that Mwale's arrest was part of an increasing pattern of harassment targeting Linda Mwananchi leaders in Trans Nzoia and individuals working closely with Governor George Natembeya.

The Linda Mwananchi Movement has demanded the immediate release of Trans Nzoia County Assembly Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale following his arrest by armed police officers in Kitale.

In a statement on Tuesday, the movement condemned the arrest, accusing authorities of targeting its leaders and supporters through politically motivated arrests.

Mwale, who is also the Matisi Ward MCA and a Linda Mwananchi Senate aspirant for Trans Nzoia County, was reportedly picked up by armed police officers in Kitale on Monday, November 2, before being taken to Kapenguria Police Station in neighbouring West Pokot County.

According to the movement's Head of Communication, Pauline Njoroge, police accused Mwale of financing criminal activities and organising goons, allegations the movement dismissed as an attempt to intimidate and silence him.

“We strongly condemn the arrest of MCA Obed Mwale, who was picked up by armed police officers in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, yesterday and later produced at Kapenguria Police Station in West Pokot County. According to the police, he is accused of funding criminal activities and organising goons," Njoroge said.

"We reject these allegations as politically motivated and intended to intimidate and silence Obed, a very popular candidate who is challenging UDA's Allan Chesang.”

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The movement further claimed that Mwale's arrest was part of an increasing pattern of harassment targeting Linda Mwananchi leaders in Trans Nzoia and individuals working closely with Governor George Natembeya.

Natembeya confirmed Mwale's detention, saying the MCA was being held at Kapenguria Police Station ahead of an expected court appearance.

The governor linked the accusations to the October 16 incident in Kitale involving President William Ruto's motorcade and a convoy carrying Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Linda Mwananchi supporters.

“Obed Mwale has been locked up in a cell, waiting for arraignment in court tomorrow at 9 am. Some of the charges are obstructing Ruto's motorcade while in Kitale,” Natembeya said.

He further claimed that Mwale was accused of sponsoring groups allegedly involved in disrupting Kenya Kwanza political rallies in Trans Nzoia.

During the October 16 incident, Ruto's motorcade and Sifuna's convoy encountered each other near the Kitale flyover while the President was in the town to launch development projects.

After the President left, Sifuna and Natembeya addressed supporters before police officers dispersed the gathering using tear gas.

The National Police Service later confirmed that two police officers had been injured and two government vehicles damaged during the confrontation. Police said investigations had been launched to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

The service also warned that individuals found engaging in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings would face action under the law. However, its statement did not mention Mwale by name.

The MCA's arrest also comes amid other reported incidents involving individuals associated with Natembeya's administration.

On October 22, Amos Boaz Masika, an official photographer working in the governor's office, was arrested by Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers in Kitale over unspecified criminal activities and detained at Kitale Police Station.

David Musundi, another member of the governor's communications team, had also reportedly gone into hiding after claiming detectives were looking for him.

The political tensions have also centred on the Sh821 million Masinde Muliro Market project in Kitale, whose ownership and implementation have been subjects of disagreement between Natembeya and the national government.

In October, Linda Mwananchi challenged the Council of Governors to speak out over what it described as threats and intimidation against Natembeya following changes to his security arrangements.

Despite the developments, the movement insisted that Mwale's arrest would not stop its political activities as it continues positioning itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“We demand justice and Obed's immediate release. We condemn the use of arbitrary arrests and intimidation against our leaders and supporters. Despite this harassment, we will soldier on, more determined than ever to remove Ruto from office, reclaim our rights and freedoms, and restore the rule of law and constitutional order in our country,” Njoroge said.