Wa Muthende named in alleged Ol Kalou by-election robbery

Mbeere North MP Leo Wa Muthende. [Raymond Muthee, Standard]

Mbeere North Member of Parliament Leo Wa Muthende has been named in an alleged robbery case that occurred during the Ol Kalou by- election.

In a demand letter dated July 24, lawyer Andrew Muge, acting for Wanjiku Mwihaki, accused the legislator of aiding and abetting the alleged robbery by members of his security team.

According to the lawyer, the incident occurred on July 16 near Mathakwa Primary School Polling Station in Mirangine Ward, where the complainant and her companion were allegedly confronted by hooded and armed men travelling in a convoy of Toyota Prado vehicles.

The complainant identified the men as members of the MP's security detail and alleged they held her at gunpoint before taking her iPhone 17 Pro Max while the legislator watched.

"You, together with your accompanying hooded and armed security officers, held her at gunpoint and forcibly robbed her of her personal property, namely an iPhone 17 Pro Max, in your direct presence. You did not intervene despite pleas from our client for your intervention," the demand letter stated.

The complainant, through her lawyer, further alleged that after the phone was taken, the armed men attempted to force the complainant and her companion into one of the vehicles in the convoy, but the two resisted.

According to the letter, the MP remained at the scene throughout the alleged robbery and attempted abduction without intervening. Actions the complainant says amount to aiding and abetting the alleged offence.

The lawyer also alleges that during a telephone conversation on July 18, the MP told the complainant that he had identified one of the officers accused of taking the phone but could not take further action because the officer denied the allegation.

"You stated that you had identified one of your accomplices who stole her phone, but that you were unable to take further action because the individual denies the act and that he had returned to camp," the letter read.

The complainant is now demanding that within seven days, the MP either returns the iPhone 17 Pro Max in good working condition, provides a brand-new replacement from a distributor of her choice or pays Sh300,000.

She is also seeking the names and details of the security officers she alleges were involved in the robbery and attempted abduction, adding that their actions may amount to offences under the Penal Code, the Election Offences Act and the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Wa Muthende was among Kenya Kwanza leaders who campaigned in Ol Kalou ahead of the July 16 by-election in support of UDA candidate Samuel Muchina.