17 arrested in Uasin Gishu over stoning of Raila's chopper - police

Key political leaders in the region have been linked to planning the incident.

In Summary

• Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Stephen Kihara said those arrested have given information on how the incident took place.

• He added that key political leaders in the region have been linked to planning the incident.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Stephen Kihara (R) with County Commander Ayub Gitonga speaking in Eldoret on April 2, 2022.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Stephen Kihara (R) with County Commander Ayub Gitonga speaking in Eldoret on April 2, 2022.
Image: MATHEWS NDANYI

Seventeen suspects have been arrested over the stoning of Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga's chopper at Kabenes after burial of Mzee Kibor in Uasin Gishu.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Stephen Kihara said those arrested have given information on how the incident took place.

He added that key political leaders in the region have been linked to planning the incident.

Kihara said the politicians will be arrested to serve as a lesson to others.

"We will not allow that to happen in our country and anyone doing that will not be tolerated," he said on Saturday.

The County Commissioner said investigations were underway to ensure anyone involved is arrested and charged.

The National Police Service in a statement said those arrested were found to be in possession of money in Sh50 denominations and are helping with investigations.

The arrests come after Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i directed the National Police Service to investigate and arrest youths involved in the stoning of ODM leader Raila Odinga's chopper on Friday.

In a statement, Matiang'i condemned the attack, saying that those who planned the attack should also be arrested.

"I call upon the National Police Service to investigate the matter and ensure that all the culprits and their masterminds are made to swiftly and decisively face the consequences of their criminal actions," he said.

The CS said such attacks take our country back to the days it has worked hard to put behind, which was as a result of political intolerance.

"The regrettable incident is a sad and atavistic reminder of the ugly face of violent political intolerance that our beloved motherland has worked hard to consign to the annals of a painful history in the last 14 years," Matiang'i added.

Edited by B. Oruta

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