Usawa Party claims Mwangi wa Iria’s Karen residence is 'under siege'

The Usawa Kwa Wote Party now claims that the home of its leader Mwangi Wa Iria, who is aligned to the opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, is under siege.

The party, in a statement released on Friday, said Wa Iria has been unable to access his Karen residence since Tuesday, adding that the former Murang’a Governor’s family is now distraught. 

“The era of oppression, repression and suppression is back and we are ready to stretch ourselves to preserve our Constitution and Constitutionalism. The fight and pursuit for Economic Liberation is on and we shall not relent until the cost of living comes down,” read the statement.

“The Party and it's members will not be intimidated. Freedom is coming. Dictatorship is coming to an end soon.”

The revelation by Usawa Party come amidst reports that Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has also been under house arrest.

Kalonzo’s Communications Director Paloma Gatabaki on Friday said the former Vice President has not been able to leave his house since Tuesday. 

“Yes, it is true that Kalonzo Musyoka has been under house arrest since Tuesday evening. The Subarus and land rovers have been stationed outside his Karen residence preventing him from leaving,” Gatabaki wrote in a tweet.

The latest developments follow arrests targeted towards members of the opposition after they declared three-day anti-government protests over the high cost of living in the country. 

Among the leaders who were arrested include MPs Babu Owino (Embakasi East), and Ken Chonga (Kilifi South). 

Additionally, Raila Odinga’s bodyguard Maurice Ogeta has also been missing after allegedly being intercepted by police officers on his way to work on Wednesday.