Police arrest 17 people in Nyeri for flaunting curfew rules

At least 17 people including three MCAs were arrested in Nyeri town after police raided a residential house where they were said to be partying.

Police raided the bungalow in Kingongo estate which has been converted into a club where the revelers were caught off guard.

Some of the suspects attempted to escape the police dragnet by scaling an electric fence while some took cover under the furniture.

At least five personal vehicles were parked in the compound of the estate belonging to some of the revellers.

Nyeri Central Sub County Police boss Paul Kuria said the suspects will be charged in court.

"The law applies equally to everyone. Regardless of their rank senior or junior, rich or poor. It does not matter who they are, they will face the law," Mr Kuria said.

Kuria said they were acting on a tip off from members of the public that the house had been hosting several groups of people under the guise of being a club.

“We are going to ensure that the law is applied equally anyone found flaunting the curfew will be dealt with,” he warned.

Some of the suspects were later released on cash bail. 

County Police Commander Adiel Nyange said police were only mandated to enforce the law. "When it comes to matters quarantine, that's under the health department. We are releasing people on police bond and will liase with the ODPP for when they will appear in court. Their release doesn't mean they are off the hook," Nyange said. 

In Karatina town, three chiefs were locked inside a bar they had gone to raid after they received information that locals had been drinking inside the bar while locked inside. 

The 6am incident left locals shocked as the revellers and bar attendants locked the chiefs inside after over powering them. 

Local police officers rescued the chiefs after two hours.

Railway location chief Dadson Ithiru said that the pub has been on their radar after receiving information that it's management has been opening doors early and selling beer to their customers despite the directive of closure of bars.

"We had invaded the pub where we found a number of people taking beer. However, when they realised who we were, they overpowered us and locked the pub. That is when we called police officers who rescued us and carted away the beer,” Ithiru said. 

The Ministry of Health ordered closure of all bars following confirmation of Covid-19 cases in the country.