Leaders want night runners arrested and arraigned in court

Leaders have asked the county government to pay no heed to night runners who have sought a kitty to fund their self-styled sport.

Karachuonyo MP James Rege and former South Nyanza County Council Chairman Akech Chieng' also questioned the legitimacy of the purported night runners.

Giving an example of the traditional Luo culture, Mr Rege said back then one suspected to be a night runner could not freely mingle with people, saying this puts to doubt the assertions by purported night runners president Jack Songo.

"Traditionally, anyone suspected of night running would even give you bulls as a bribe so you do not reveal their night time activities. To therefore have night runners who are so willing to be identified is suspect and therefore these alleged Homa Bay night runners simply do not exist," he said.

The legislature was speaking at Osodo Primary School, in his constituency, where he distributed shoes to primary school pupils.

OUTLAWED PRACTISE

Rege further accused the group of being 'masqueraders' out to get money and said the exercise has no value in the community hence should not be compared to other sporting activities.

"A practice like night running is an abomination and it is in fact outlawed. A night runner is never recognised in society," he said.

He asked the county government to arrest all night runners, saying they are a source of disturbance for those who are sleeping.

The legislator also said night runners should also be charged in court for using 'tamed' wild animals without authority from Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS).

"If the Government is against wildlife interference, where do these people get the authority to use these animals in their outlawed activities?" he asked.

Mr Chieng' reiterated Rege's call, saying the purported night runners should be immediately arrested.

"Night running is an activity nobody wants to be identified with and we are amazed at these people's audacity," Chieng' said.

The two were reacting to a media expose where Mr Songo said the county has 700 night runners who should be funded and licensed by KWS to use wild animals in their practice.