UDFprotests arrest of Lamu Governor over Mpeketoni killings

Lamu, Kenya: The Amani coalition has protested the manner in which Lamu Governor Issa Timamy was arrested and charged over the recent Mpeketoni killings that claimed more than 65 lives.

UDF party leader Musalia Mudavadi in a strong worded statement said the government had acted in ill faith by subjecting the embattled governor to ‘inhuman treatment’.

According to Mudavadi, Timamy, who was in Nairobi on Wedesday, was asked to return to Lamu and record a statement over the killings.

He allegedly flew to Lamu and upon arrival, he was bundled into a police pick up and transferred to Mombasa, a journey that took over 8 hours before he was locked at the Kilindini Police Station overnight.

“As you are aware, Governor Timamy was arrested and locked up. This is after an 8-hour ordeal travel from Lamu on a pick up. Timamy was not informed of his arrest but was instead tricked into travelling from Nairobi to Lamu then bundled into a car like a criminal,” the UDF leader said.

He added; “Police have the power to arrest but must do so with civility. We condemn this inhuman treatment of a senior official in the country, who did not resist arrest, was not armed, and did not pose any immediate threat.”

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Nairobi, an irked Mudavadi said the arrest was tantamount to overthrowing a constitutionally elected governor, as it was done in a humiliating manner.

“The arrest of a governor raises a constitutional issue. It amounts to the National Government unconstitutionally overthrowing the devolved Government of Lamu,” Mudavadi added.

The Amani leaders while insisting they do not condone criminality defended Timamy saying he and UDG in general were soft targets in the political tussle between the ruling Jubilee and opposition Cord. 

The Lamu County Chief is the second high profile leader of UDF to be charged, with Moyale MP Roba Duba (UDF) having been arraigned in court over tribal skirmishes in Marsabit County.