Panic as Bungoma MCA is kidnapped by people wearing police-like uniforms

Mbakalu Ward MCA Bethwel Mwambu (Left) addresses the press at the Bungoma County Assembly in November 2015 together with Majority leader Henry Nyongesa (in red tie and holding a folded paper). Mwambu was kidnapped by unknown assailants Monday night at his gate in Tongaren constituency. [TITUS OTEBA/STANDARD]

KENYA: A somber mood has engulfed Mbakalu Ward in Tongaren Constituency after the area MCA Bethwel Mwambu was on Tuesday night kidnapped by unknown people.

Confirming the incident Bungoma North OCPD Eliud Okello said that they had received the report over the kidnapping but they have not been unable to trace him.

"We received the report at about midnight that Mbakalu Ward leader had been kidnapped by unknown assailants who fled with him, our officers are combing every place to ensure that he is found alive and the culprits brought to book," he said.

Mwambu's driver said that they were trailed by about five motorbikes when they were coming from Bungoma heading to the MCA house, when they approached his gate three people wearing the police uniform jumped from the motorbikes pulled him from the wheel and drove away with the MCA.

"They were armed with guns and I couldn't resist because I felt they could have harmed me I did so, one of them sat on the drivers sit and drove off while others two held hostage my boss," he said.

Bungoma County disaster management director Julius Bakasa said the kidnapping might be associated with politics, Mwambu is the ruling majority Chief Whip in the Bungoma County Assembly.

“His vehicle was found dumped at Baharini area two kilometers from his home but the kidnappers nor the MCA were nowhere to be seen, we are calling on the assailants not to harm the Ward leader but instead leave him alone, let him alone so that he can discharge his representation duties" said Bakasa.

Bungoma County Assembly Speaker John Makali and Majority leader Henry Nyongesa have called on the government to provide the MCA's with security details because their life is now at risk following the incident.

"We are worried over our lives as we approach the electioneering year, let the government avail us with armed bodyguards, we are no longer safe, for those who have abducted my colleague let them release him without any further conditions," said Nyongesa.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said that he was very sad with the incident and called on the police to speed up their investigations and help bring to book the culprits.

"Let them not harm Mr Mwambu, he should be left alone, politics in play here, we won't accept some hired goons to intimidate elected leaders," he said.

He added "It is very bad and sets a wrong precedent on the security of elected leaders as we approach the electioneering year, but let's not read something sinister, I know Mwambu has been vocal on some issues that might have pissed off some people".