Kakamega Ward representative ‘attacked in governor’s office’

By Grace Wekesa

Kakamega, Kenya: The Kakamega county assembly’s deputy speaker has alleged that he was assaulted in Governor Wycliffe Oparanya’s office.

Cleophas Malala claims that he was pushed down the staircase while on his way to the interim county secretary Jeremiah Were’s office. Were’s office is on the same floor as the governor’s.

Mr Malala claims the attack was carried out by one of Oparanya’s bodyguards, who was  unhappy with his scathing attacks on the governor.

“The bodyguard pushed me until I fell while accusing me of opposing the governor. He shouted at me saying that because I was seen in a hotel with (Federal Party of Kenya leader) Cyrus Jirongo, I am not allowed to enter the building,’’ said Malala.

He said like any other Kenyan, he has a right to seek services at the governor’s office.

“This is a state office and I was here to fast-track the procurement of tenders to clean the town as part of my duties as county representative for  Mahiakalo. Since it is a public office, I should not have been denied access,’’ he noted.

Malala reported the matter at the Kakamega Police Station. His statement was listed as OB 74/8/10/2013.

Although Malala and Oparanya are both ODM members, their ideological differences have caused a bitter rivalry among their supporters.

A statement from the county government said investigations into the allegations had been launched.

Public office

“The incident is under investigation to establish the truth. The necessary action will be taken after investigations are complete. This is a public office that should be accessible to  every member of the public,’’ said Samwel Wetungu, director of communications at the governor’s office.

Kakamega Central OCPD Fredrick Lai confirmed receiving the report,  which was filed at 6pm on Tuesday evening.

“The matter was reported at our station. Investigations are under way to arraign the suspect in court,’’ stated Lai.