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Kisii County politics has taken a new twist as the government through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), moving in, requesting the court to authorize the search of the homes of 14 supporters of Governor Arati. The DCI alleges that these individuals are in possession of illegal weapons which they have been using to commit various crimes in Kisii County. The prosecution claims that there is credible intelligence suggesting that the accused individuals have illegal weapons intended for committing crimes and disrupting the peace in the county.
The Criminal Investigations Officer in Kisii County, Cathrine Njue, stated in an affidavit that the respondents are organizing criminal activities which pose a threat to public safety and the overall peace of Kisii County. She requested the Court to issue a search warrant to enter, search, and obtain any crucial information, documents, and items from the homes of all respondents. The DCI argues that Sections 1118, 119, and 120 of the criminal procedure code grant the court power to issue a search warrant upon application. Additionally, Section 22 of the criminal procedure code empowers a police officer to search a place entered by a person to be arrested and to break into or out of a house if necessary.
“I have information that the respondents are organising criminal activities which are a threat to the public safety and that of the entire Kisii County.I am carrying investigations of the respondents’ pursuit to intelligence reports..” reads an affidavit by the Kisi County Criminal Investigations Officer Cathrine Njue
The application further notes that the national police service has a constitutional duty to detect, investigate, and prevent the commission of crimes to maintain law and order. The urgency of the situation is emphasized, urging the court to grant the requested prayers.
The supporters of Governor Arati under scrutiny by the DCI include David Nyakwama, Japheth Mosoti, Danfas Kengere Omvando alias Abass, Francis Moenga Omesa, Ogeto Sanzu, Justus Moraba, Hezborn Mochama, Clinton Musioma Omosa, Isaac Omanga, Paul Kabosi and Dennis Nyakwama. Governor Arati’s counsels, George Morara and Zelmer Bonuke, went to court to challenge the police’s profiling of the governor’s supporters as alleged criminals. They successfully obtained a court order preventing any arrests of the suspects by the State or any affiliated entities.
The lawyers argued that the profiling of the governor’s supporters violated their constitutional rights to liberty, freedoms, and security as enshrined in various articles of the Constitution of Kenya. They warned against any police officer who may be potentially used by politicians to intimidate individuals.
The alleged profiling of Governor Simba Arati’s supporters came shortly after a clash between the governor and Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu at a funeral in Kisii County. Government officials, led by CS Machogu, were heckled at the event. Prior to this incident, Governor Arati’s bursary distribution event in Nyakembene, South Mugirango, was disrupted by hooligans resulting in the shooting of four people.
In response to the situation, Governor Arati reported the matter to Kisii Central Police Station. The political climate in Kisii County appears to be increasingly volatile, with tensions escalating between different factions. It is essential for law enforcement agencies to carry out thorough investigations to ensure the safety and security of all residents in the county.
The shooting incident at the bursary distribution event, allegedly linked to the political rivalry between Governor Arati and MP Sylvanus Osoro, has raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Kisii County. Governor Arati has taken swift action by reporting the incident to the police, underscoring the need for law enforcement agencies to address the growing tensions and violence in the region. The involvement of high-profile politicians in these events has added a layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
