'Governor' opposes transfer, cites police brutality during arrest

A man charged with preparing to commit a felony, trafficking in narcotics and unlawful possession of a weapon has asked a Nairobi court for protection and medical attention, alleging he was assaulted during his arrest.

Evans Mugendi Laibon, popularly known as “Governor”, appeared before Chief Magistrate Kennedy Bidali at the Makadara Law Courts on February 12, 2026.

The court heard that at about 8:00 p.m. in the Highrise-Mpambe slums area of Kamukunji Sub-County in Nairobi, Laibon was allegedly found armed with a sword in circumstances suggesting he was preparing to commit a robbery.

Prosecutors further alleged that at the same time and place, he was found trafficking in narcotics, namely 104 rolls of cannabis sativa with an estimated street value of Sh2,080, which were not in medicinal form, contrary to Kenya’s narcotics laws.

The prosecution told the court that Laibon is also a wanted suspect in a robbery with violence case registered at a police station in Meru County. The court was informed of plans to transfer him to Meru to face the charge.

However, Laibon objected to the proposed transfer, telling the court he was unaware of any robbery case in Meru.

In an emotional address to the court, Laibon alleged that he was stripped and assaulted at the time of his arrest.

He also appealed for protection while in remand, stating that he had already suffered physically.

Magistrate Bidali ordered that Laibon be remanded at Shauri Moyo Police Station pending his transfer to Meru County in connection with the robbery with violence case.

The matter is scheduled for mention on May 2.