Police teargas former Lamu governor's meeting

Former Lamu governor Isa Timamy (center) with some of his supporters in Mpeketoni on Saturday. [Standard]

Former Lamu governor, Isa Timamy's meeting in Mpeketoni was disrupted by police officers on Saturday.

Mr Timamy, who lost a Supreme Court case challenging the victory of his rival, Fahim Twaha in August 8 2017 election, has been traversing the county thanking residents for their support.

But on Saturday, police lobbed teargas to disperse one such meeting, claiming it was illegal.

Mpeketoni station commander, Thomas Odenyo, claimed the meeting was not authourised. However, Timamy refuted this, saying he had informed the police about the meeting in advance and in writing.

Earlier, police had been placed at strategic points to stop the former governor from getting to Mpeketoni. But Timamy managed to get to town before his meeting was disrupted.

The incidence left a number of people facing breathing difficulties, including the former governor on whose feet some of the teargas canisters went off.

A number of residents criticised the police action claiming that it was a violation of the constitution since the meeting was peaceful.

"It is very wrong for a leader to be treated this way.Timamy is protected by the Constitution," said Francis Mugo.

The former governor and his deputy, Eric Mugo, accused certain politicians in the county of using the police to stop the meeting. They vowed to soldier on with more meetings.