Anti-government protests: Mavoko MP Patrick Makau released

Police officers patrol along the Kisii-Migori highway, remove stones thrown on the road. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Mavoko Member of Parliament (MP) Patrick Makau has been released after his arrest Thursday morning at his Karen home in Nairobi.

The legislator was interrogated by sleuths from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and later released at around 11 after he was grilled over the vandalism of the Nairobi Expressway at the Mlolongo toll station. 

Speaking to journalists after his release, Makau stated that he has been directed to present himself to the detectives on Friday, July 14.

The arrest has elicited various reactions both online and offline, with Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria weighing in on the matter.

"The violence in Mlolongo yesterday was because we evicted squatters from East Africa Portland land led by Mavoko MP Patrick Makau. Today we will evict all illegal squatters. You can burn all you want but sibanduki," Kuria tweeted. 

Protesters on Wednesday vandalised sections of the Expressway at the Mlolongo exit, resulting in the temporary closure of three toll stations including Mlolongo, Syokimau and SGR.