Governor Wavinya Ndeti orders probe as she condemns assault of Machakos MCA by county askaris

Boniface Maeke, the MCA for Kalama Ward, had gone to the Machakos court in solidarity with Douglas Musyoka, his Masii/Vyulya counterpart who was arrested on Tuesday on accusations that his homestead in Machakos was not built per county government regulations.

Maeke was singled out from his colleagues outside the court where he was forcefully arrested and whisked by over six men but resisted entering the county vehicles.

In a statement on Thursday, Governor Wavinya faulted the way the officers handled the matter and the MCA, calling for an immediate probe into the matter and for those found involved to be held culpable.

"I take great exception at the humiliating treatment meted out to the leaders. I wish to reiterate my administration's commitment to adhere to the rule of law and respect to the rights of all persons including our leaders," read part of a statement.

"I expect a report to be forwarded to my office within 7 days from today."

Wavinya further urged all county enforcement officers to adhere to the law and respect the rights of all residents of the County as they undertake their mandate.

Likewise, the Machakos County Assembly Speaker Anne Kiusya has expressed her concerns over the incident urging leaders and security authorities to safeguard the well-being and rights of MCAs across the nation.

"Such actions not only undermine the principles of democracy and the values that form the bedrock of our society but also pose a threat to the rule of law," said Kiusya in a separate statement.

While also calling for an immediate probe into the matter, she sent her solidarity to Maeke's family as he recuperates.

"We remain steadfast in upholding the values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law and call upon all stakeholders, including the public, to unite in condemning acts of violence and promoting a culture of tolerance and respect within our democratic institutions." 

The MCA suffered a broken ankle and was escorted by Machakos OCS to the police station where he recorded a statement and was later taken to the hospital.