Azimio slams arrest of its leaders, Raila associates

Karua demanded that the constitution and laws be respected.

In Summary
  • She said that last night, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was arrested by police and is being held incommunicado.

  • Karua said Owino's whereabouts remain unknown.

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.
Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.
Image: Handout

Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua has condemned the arrest of several Azimio leaders and a few associates of ODM party leader Raila Odinga. 

On Wednesday, Karua said the leaders were arrested and abducted without any lawful justification. 

"We condemn in the strongest terms possible the arrests of Azimio leaders and close associates of leaders without any colour of right or lightest justification," Karua said. 

She termed the illegal arrests as a desperate attempt by the Kenya Kwanza regime to paralyse Azimio and its top leaders.

"This is an attempt to sabotage the exercise of our constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations," Karua said. 

Further, Karua demanded the immediate release of those detained noting that their detention is not only malicious but also unlawful.

She said if the arrests are lawful, then those arrested ought to be taken before the nearest courts and charged immediately

Karua also demanded that the constitution and laws be respected. 

"Their continued unlawful detention which the Ruto regime has sanctioned, together with the excessive force being used notably in Mathare, Kibra, Embakasi, Kamukunji, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kisii, Kisumu and indeed all over the country to disperse lawful and peaceful demonstrations is in flagrant violation of our constitution and laws," she said. 

She said the Azimio legal team has instructions to proceed with the necessary legal action regarding the arrests.

Among the Azimio leaders Karua claims are under arrest is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. 

Karua claimed Owino was arrested last night and is being held incommunicado.

She said Owino's whereabouts remain unknown.

"Today Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga and Kilifi Speaker Teddy Mwambire have been arrested and detained in an unknown place," Karua said.

She claimed in Nairobi, police have arrested Mabatini MCA Wilfred Odallo, Ngei MCA Redson Onyango and Erick Otieno and Anthony Otsula who are both Budget officers at the Nairobi County. 

Karua said the arrested MCAs are also being held at undisclosed locations. 

She said Maurice Ogeta was arrested/abducted this morning while on his way to work, while Dennis Onyago was arrested/abducted from his house this morning during which time a search without warrant was conducted.

"Both Dennis and Morris are close associates of Azimio leader Raila Amollo Odinga," Karua said. 

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