Mavoko MP to be arrested over burning of Syokimau police post

A container turned a police cell at syokimau plice post is set a braze by bodaboda riders who were protesting over the killing of one of their own by Administration police.The over 6000 bodaboda riders drawn from Syokimau, Mlolongo and the entire Athi-River District torched the post after looting as hundreds of officers watched from a distance. [Photo:PETERSON GITHAIGA/Standard]

Police are looking for Mavoko MP Patrick Makau as part of investigations into the burning of Syokimau Administration Police Camp on Wednesday by a mob.

Police claim Makau led the group of bodaboda riders to the station before they attacked and burnt down the structure that was acting as cells.

A team of detectives handling the matter said they were under pressure to look for the MP.

“We have been to his homes but he is nowhere to be seen. He has switched off his mobile phones but when you see him tell him we need him,” said an officer aware of the probe.

It is at the camp that lawyer Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda and taxi driver Joseph Muiruri were held before they were murdered and later their bodies found in Ol-Donyo Sabuk River in Machakos County.

The Syokimau Residents Association has condemned the attack and burning of the local AP camp by a group of protesters.

Chairman of the association Humphrey Odhiambo said they raised money to construct the structure for their own safety.

“We have lost much in this arson and ask police to get those behind it. We had raised money to construct it and by burning it, we are left exposed,” said Odhiambo.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said he had ordered police to investigate the incident and get those behind it.

“It is wrong to burn such a structure that serves locals for prosperity. I have ordered that those behind it be arrested,” said Boinnet.

Odhiambo said the attackers were not from the area. He said they suspect protesters originated from Athi River and that they had informed police of the plans to stage the arson.

“We however commend police for restraining themselves when the group arrived to attack because there would have been deaths and destruction here,” said Odhiambo.

Crucial evidence had earlier on been collected by forensic experts.