Oparanya laments ‘terrorist-treatment’ by police after his arrest

Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has provided details of his arrest on Thursday, July 13, along the Bungoma-Kisumu Highway, a day after leading anti-government demonstrations in Busia.

Speaking at Kakamega Police Station, Oparanya revealed that plainclothes police officers blocked his car in Khayega. The police then forcefully took control of his vehicle by removing his driver from it.

Oparanya was then taken to the police station for questioning regarding his use of a government vehicle during the protests.

The ODM deputy party leader has expressed dissatisfaction with the arrest. He stated that the police treated him as if he were a ‘terrorist’.

“At the station, the DCI boss demanded that I write a statement, but I declined. So my lawyer wrote the statement on my behalf,” Oparanya stated.

Oparanya’s lawyer, Kennedy Echesa, raised concerns about the former governor’s safety. The lawyer stated that his client’s vehicle almost crashed while en route to the police station. He suspected ulterior motives behind the governor’s arrest.

The lawyer added that Oparanya was later released unconditionally. However, the police detained his vehicle.

“They are accusing the governor of leading demonstrations in Busia. They have released him unconditionally but retained the car,” the lawyer explained.

“We are giving them 24 hours to return the car because it is his entitlement,” the lawyer added.

Oparanya’s release came shortly after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga demanded the release of his ally and other Kenyans who were apprehended in connection with the demonstrations held on Wednesday, July 12.

Among those arrested by police include Mavoko Member of Parliament, Patrick Makau. The Mavoko legislator was arrested on Thursday, July 13, and later released the same day.

The MP claimed that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were deployed to his Karen residence at 4:00 am.  

Makau added that the disruptive nature of the incident not only alarmed his family members but also caused disturbance to his neighbours. He states his neighbours were concerned about his safety. 

The MP was taken to Nairobi Area Traffic Police headquarters and grilled for four hours before being released. He explained that he was questioned on his role in the chaos which saw the Nairobi Expressway and other critical infrastructure vandalised. 

Meanwhile, Azimio la Umoja, on Thursday, July 13, announced a new wave of protests that will commence on Wednesday, July 19. The opposition leaders made the announcement in a statement read by former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation centre. 

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga further emphasised that the protests would be held countrywide despite fierce criticism by President Ruto and his deputy Gachagua.

“We will have countrywide meetings next week Wednesday whether the government likes it or not,” an adamant Raila stated.