Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has claimed police are planning to raid Kisii governor Simba Arati’s home located in the outskirts of Kisii town.
In a Monday, October 30 statement signed by the party’s secretary general Edwin Sifuna, ODM noted that the police had not issued the governor with a search warrant, terming the expected act as the highest level of intimidation.
“We have information that the police are planning a raid on the governors’ residence in the outskirts of Kisii town, there is no search warrant issued by the courts and we find this to be the highest level of intimidation and coercion,” the statement reads in part.
According to the opposition, such raids should be conducted during the day, adding that Governor Arati is available to provide any information they may be looking for.
Azimio Condemns Simba Arati’s Harassment
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has condemned the General Service Unit (GSU) officers for blocking Kisii County governor Simba Arati from accessing his office on Monday, October 30 morning.
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In a statement seen by The Kenya Times, the Raila Odinga-led coalition also expressed their disappointment over the explanation issued by the police commander on the issue.
“Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party takes a very dim view of the incident in which a large number of General Service Unit officers laid siege to the offices of H.E. Simba Arati, the governor of the county of Kisii earlier today,” the statement reads in part.
According to the coalition, the explanation by the police boss was mediocre and an attempt to abuse the intelligence of Kenyans.
“Even more baffling is the attempt by the police command to brush off this bizarre incident with a mediocre explanation that only abuses the intelligence of Kenyans,” it further reads.
This comes hours after a Governor Simba Arati encountered a contingent of officers from the GSU at the entrance and inside Gusii Stadium where his office is located.
Govt Misusing National Institutions
Moreover, the opposition coalition claims that the incident in Kisii county today is a continuation of a growing pattern of the government misusing national institutions including investigative agencies and security apparatus to intimidate and blackmail governors.
“The aim is to make the governors take a particular political direction in addition to taking directives from the national government,” the statement signed by Wycliffe Oparanya Chairman of the Azimio Executive Council reads.
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Furthermore, the coalition criticized the incident terming it abuse of power and office by national government officers, adding that the authorities should cease and desist.
“The development undermines the authority and autonomy of governors. More importantly, it presents a very clear threat to the existence of devolved units,” Azimio stated.
Nonetheless, the coalition vowed to stand with all governors and county governments regardless of their political affiliation.
“The party stands with H. E Arati and encourages him to remain firm, principled and focused,” the noted.
