Azimio demands police release Raila's bodyguard, spokesperson and other detained leaders

The Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition has demanded the immediate release of nine of the party’s leaders and close associates who have allegedly been arrested and detained by police in connection with the current anti-government protests.

The nine are; Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, Kilifi County Speaker Teddy Mwambire, MCASs Wilfred Odallo and Redson Ochongo as well as two Budget Officers at the Nairobi County Assembly namely; Erick Otieno and Anthony Otsula.

Raila Odinga’s spokesman Dennis Onyango and bodyguard Maurice Ogeta are also among the detained persons.

“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the arrests and or abductions of Azimio leaders and close associates without any colour of right or the slightest justification,” said Azimio La Umoja Co-principal Martha Karua in a statement on Wednesday.  

“We demand for the immediate release of those detained noting that their detention is not only malicious but also unlawful. If it were not so, they would have been taken before the nearest courts and charged immediately.”

She added that the illegal arrests and so-called abductions represent a desperate effort by President William Ruto’s government to cripple Azimio’s top brass and undermine the constitution of Kenya. 

“Their continued unlawful detention which the Ruto regime has sanctioned, together with the excessive force being used notably in Mathare, Kibera, 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,” said Karua.

Karua correspondingly reminded local police to refrain from using excessive force during the demonstrations lest they face legal action individually.

“Each officer will account individually for these unlawful acts. Our Lawyers have instructions to proceed with the necessary legal action,” said Karua.