By CYRUS OMBATI and Judy Ogutu
Marsabit County
One hundred and seventy Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) have been disarmed in Moyale in an exercise meant to restore security.
The officers have also surrendered more than 2,000 bullets to Provincial Administration officials.
And as this happened, the High Court in Nairobi yesterday granted Moyale MP Mohamud Mohamed Ali an anticipatory bail of Sh150,000.
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Justice David Majanja granted the bail but directed the MP to present himself to police when required.
Moyale MP (left) Mohamud Ali, with some of his supporters, at Milimani Law Courts Wednesday. He had sought court orders to restrain police from arresting him over incitement allegations. He was given an anticipatory bail of Sh150,000. [PHOTO: ANN KAMONI/STANDARD] |
The MP rushed to court saying he risked being arrested "in a manner accentuated by malice". Last week, police allegedly issued a warrant of arrest against Ali.
Speaking from Moyale, Eastern police boss Mercus Ocholla told The Standard that all the reservists will undergo fresh vetting, enlisting and training before they are armed.
Problem of clashes
Police intend to start training new KPR officers as soon as the disarmament is over.
"The process will be fair and open to ensure officers who have no interest in the conflict are handed guns and other Government equipment," said Ocholla.
He added the disarmament is over in Isiolo and will extend to other areas. Disarmament of KPR follows the announcement by Internal Security Minister George Saitoti that some of the officers were partisan.
Ocholla said enough security personnel have been deployed in the area to address the problem of clashes that had been experienced in the past month. He added they are investigating individuals, who include political leaders, suspected to have been inciting locals.
Devolved resources
State counsel Mr Edwin Okello, however, yesterday informed Justice Majanja that there was no warrant of arrest issued against Ali.
"If police investigates offences and finds there is a case against him, normal course should take place and he is arraigned in court," Okello said.
The MP’s lawyer, Roger Sagana told the court that the legislator had not failed to corporate with the police at any time. In a brief ruling, Justice Majanja said the bail does not refrain police from arresting the MP. Fighting between Gabra and Borana communities has left up to 20 people dead and several others displaced.
Saitoti said intelligence information showed that conflict between Borana and Gabra communities was due to demand that they be effectively involved in the sharing of the devolved resources. The fighting has been ongoing despite pledge by local leaders that they will embrace peace.
