High alert as Baringo speaker, MCAs are grilled over killings

Baringo Speaker William Kamket (right) is escorted to write a statement at Kabarnet Police Station in Baringo by Baringo Criminal Investigation Commander John Momanyi. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

BARINGO COUNTY: There was drama Wednesday at the Baringo County Criminal Investigations headquarters when Speaker William Kamket arrived to record a statement in connection with the Saturday attack of a police vehicle in Kapedo that led to the killing of six people, including three police officers.

Mr Kamket, who arrived at 3pm amid heavy security, was whisked away by Baringo County Criminal Investigations Commander John Momanyi, who took him for questioning for close to two hours.

Outside the police station, more than 15 Members of County Assembly (MCAS) led by Deputy Speaker Douglas Kiplimo who came to show solidarity with their Speaker waited patiently. “There is nothing wrong. We support him and are certain he will emerge a winner. We will stand in solidarity with our speaker,” Kiplimo said.

Police were on high alert as a group of youths staged demonstration outside the police station, partly blocking the Kabarnet-Kabartonjo road.

The youth who were escorted by boda boda riders chanted pro-Kamket slogans and demanded the immediate arrest and interrogation of Tiaty MP Asman Kamama. “Kamama should be arrested and questioned. Leave our Speaker alone,” one of the slogans read.

Kamket had earlier been arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport while heading for Instanbul, Turkey, on official duty.

Speaking to The Standard immediately after his arrest, Kamket said he was attending a governance and leadership conference. “I received a call from a CID officer asking me of my whereabouts and I told him. I was so surprised when they arrested me after I reached the airport, saying they wanted to hand me over to their Baringo counterparts,” he said.

 And there was tension in Kabarnet town as residents who spoke to The Standard expressed mixed reactions on the arrest.

“This might divide our county. Arresting Kamket was the wrong decision. We want the MP to be grilled as well,” said Sammy Kimuge, a resident.

Earlier in the day, two Pokot MCAs had recorded statements with the CID over the incident. Also recording statements were four chiefs.

Police said the two MCAs, Nelson Lotela (Silale) and Daniel Tuwitt (Ribko) in whose wards the attacks took place would be charged with inciting their residents into killing police.

Mr Momanyi said the leaders would be charged if found culpable of incitement that led to the killings. “If the statements they will record will implicate them, then we have no option but to forward them to be charged,” said Momanyi, who also indicated that more people were being sought over the incident.

The police said they were looking for a man identified as Sadam, the only survivor in the police Landcruiser which was attacked by bandits.

CID hinted that preliminary investigations indicate the attack was well planned by people who knew the place.