Politicians have been torn between discharging public duties and fulfillment of personal interests, thus creating a clear conflict with other arms of the government.
The latest incidence, the security attached to John Lonyagapuo the governor of West Pokot County was withdrawn after he was involved in a scuffle with police at a road block on Kitale-Kainuk highway.
Lonyangapuo’s bodyguards were recalled after he stormed a police roadblock and dramatically freed a boda boda rider who had been arrested for allegedly flouting traffic rules. West Pokot County Police Commandant Mathews Kuto said police are investigating the November 28 incident to ascertain what exactly happened at the roadblock.
Dear Hon. Dr. Fred Matiang’i:
Slow-drip disobedience of Police that begun with Matatu drivers & Boda Boda has now gone to Governors. You have to bring this insanity to an end before Kenya sinks into State Of Anarchy & Lawlessness. For starter, Gov. Lonyangapuo must be arrested.
— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) November 29, 2018
However after a number of politicians protested over the withdrawal of the governors security , the High Court has stopped police from arresting the West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo.
Sitting in Kitale, Justice Hillary Chemitei also ordered reinstatement of Prof Lonyangapuo’s security detail, which was withdrawn last Friday.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued to reinstate the respondents from withdrawing police officers seconded to guard the petitioner and his residences,” ordered Justice Chemitei.
During the incident, a visibly angry Lonyangapuo tossed aside the metal spikes that were placed at the roadblock and ordered the police to leave, accusing them of harassing the youth.
West Pokot MCAs had on Friday cut short their meeting in Mombasa and returned to their county in solidarity with Governor.
Led by Speaker Catherine Mukenyang said Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and Interior CS Fred Matiang’i must reinstate the Governor’s security.
Mukenyang said police officers are extorting money from innocent road users under the guise of enforcing Michuki rules.
“We respect the Michuki rules. But they must not be used to oppress our residents,” Mukenyang said.
She spoke before they left the PrideInn Paradise Beach Hotel in Mombasa where the county legislators were discussing the county’s strategic plan and county assembly standing orders.
“Governor Lonyangapuo is a Kenyan and a leader like any other Kenyan leader and must be accorded security. If we leaders are being harassed by the state for doing our work, what will the residents go through?” the Speaker said.
The MCAs said the State is endangering the Governor’s life.
The case will be heard on December 13.