Isiolo speaker Mohammed Roba claims political witch-hunt after arrest on attempted murder charge

Roba was apprehended by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in the early hours of Tuesday at a hotel in Machakos, where he was reportedly staying with several Members of the County Assembly (MCAs). 

According to sources, DCI officers stormed the premises at around 1:00 a.m., disarmed Roba, and left the scene, only to return later in the morning to effect the arrest.

He was subsequently detained at the Machakos DCI office, where he recorded a statement under the supervision of DCI officer Nzioka Singi. 

Roba was later released on police bail of Ksh.100,000 and is expected to present himself again at the DCI offices as investigations continue. 

Details surrounding the attempted murder charge remain unclear.

Upon his release, Roba dismissed the allegations, describing the arrest as a politically motivated move designed to prevent him from presiding over a critical County Assembly session slated for Thursday, during which the impeachment motion against Governor Guyo is set for debate.

“This is a tactic to ensure I’m not available to oversee the proceedings,” Roba said, insisting he was unaware of the reasons behind the charge.

The Speaker was accompanied by his lawyers during the bail proceedings at Machakos Police Station.

The developments come against the backdrop of a High Court order issued on June 16 by Justice Heston Nyaga, which halted the impeachment process pending determination of a case filed by Governor Guyo. 

The court barred the County Assembly from admitting, processing, debating, or considering the motion tabled on June 10. 

Justice Nyaga directed that the governor be furnished with the notice of motion and supporting documents within 48 hours and allowed parties to file responses within stipulated timelines.

The impeachment motion, tabled by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana, accuses Governor Guyo of presiding over stalled development projects and failing to achieve county revenue targets. All 18 MCAs reportedly supported the motion. 

In the wake of the political turmoil, the MCAs have relocated from Isiolo to Nakuru and later to Machakos, allegedly for their safety and to avoid interference as they pursued the impeachment proceedings.