Police have arrested a current sitting Governor and a Member of Parliament (MP) over ongoing clashes that have left behind a trail of fatalities.
Tana River Governor Dhadho Godana and Galole MP Said Hiribae have been arrested over the ongoing inter-clan clashes in the Coastal region, which have resulted in at least 14 fatalities.
According to Police, the arrests were made on Friday October 12, night after the duo ignored earlier summons to assist with investigations.
Governor Godana and the Galole lawmaker are being transported from Mombasa to Nairobi for questioning at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters regarding the violence.
The duo’s arrest followed the questioning of three other Tana River County legislators concerning the clashes, which have entered their second week.
DCI revealed that Garsen MP Ali Wario and Bura MP Yakub Adow, alongside local ward representative Mohammed Jibril, were also interrogated. Similarly, former woman representative Rehema Hassan has been questioned.
Tana River Governor arrested after Kindiki declaration
On Friday, the government declared several areas in Tana River County as security-disturbed and dangerous due to the worsening inter-clan clashes.
Also Read: Over 14 People Killed as More Than 3000 Flee to Ruiru After Deadly Clashes
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki in a Gazette Notice dated October 11, 2024, announced the decision after consultations with the National Security Council, emphasizing the need to restore order under Section 106 (1) of the National Police Service Act, 2011.
Kindiki’s declaration affects 12 locations across Bangale and Tana North sub-counties.
These include Madogo, Areri, Saka, Sala, Mororo, Mbalambala, Hirimani, Hosingo, Dukanotu, Chewele, Nanighi, and Bura.
According to the notice, the order will remain in effect for 30 days but may be extended if necessary.
“This notice shall take effect from 6:30 p.m. on October 11, 2024, for a period of 30 days and may be withdrawn or extended by notice in the Gazette,” said CS Kindiki.
Additionally, the Inspector-General of the National Police Service (IG), Douglas Kanja, had issued a directive banning the possession of firearms in specific areas of Tana River County.
Police IG Orders residents to surrender their firearms immediately
IG Kanja in a Gazette Notice published on Friday, October 4, ordered gun owners in areas declared disturbed to surrender all arms in their possession.
Also Read: Kindiki Declares 12 Areas Disturbed and Dangerous
They were ordered to surrender them to the nearest police station, police post, police camp and national government administration offices during the hours of the day for safekeeping during this period.
The police IG directed that the ban, effective immediately, will last for 30 days as authorities work to restore peace.
Further, IG said the gun holders will get them back after the notice lapses.
The directives by Kanja and Kindiki came after 14 people were killed in ongoing clashes in Tana River County earlier in the week as communities continue to fight in the area.
The fighting between the two communities began nearly a week ago in the Anole area before spreading to other villages, including Nanighi.
Following the infighting, hundreds of residents from these villages have fled their homes in search of safety and refuge. Many are nursing injuries, with some fighting for their lives in various hospitals.
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