Embakasi Member of Parliament, Babu Owino was allegedly detained at Wanguru police station cells in Kirinyaga County. Almost 300 kilometres away from where he was initially arrested.
His wife, Friddah, mentioned he was arrested at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, on Tuesday night. According to her, he was rushed to Wanguru Police Station and detained there. He was not booked at the occurrence book, which is a requirement for any detainee.
“Let my husband free as he has done no wrong to be arrested. He is unwell and deserves visitations by family and lawyers,” she pleaded.
She claims to have been chased from the station by the police after she showed up to ask for her release. Officials mentioned that he and others who were arrested would be presented before Kahawa West Courts in Kamiti to face charges there.
Others arrested aside from Babu Owino
More than ten other leaders were arrested in protests that were called to fight against the high cost of living. Among them are the MPs in Kilifi, MCAs and other party officials. In addition, the former Mungiki leader, Maina Njenga was also among those detained.
Maina Njenga was arrested from his father’s house, Kiserian. Over 50 police officers who had been looking for him ambushed him at the house. It is yet to be clear why he was arrested amid efforts of his lawyers to trace him.
Police allegedly held the victims without allowing them to access legal advice on family visitations. Interior CS, Kindiki, mentioned that over 300 people were arrested in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and other towns due to the protests and await presentation in court.
“They will be charged with various crimes, including looting, malicious damage of property, arson, robbery with violence, assaulting law enforcement and other crimes,”
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Babu Owino’s fight for release
Babu Owino has however filed an application seeking police to present him at Milimani High Court today. In addition to this, his lawyer wants the police, DCI and any other officer to be ordered and directed to release him on bail.
Okatch further stated that officers of the Inspector General, DCI and OCS JKIA police station forcefully arrested Owino. He said that he was allegedly bungled up and taken to an unknown location by the said officers.
The lawyer mentioned that Article 37 of the constitution allows the right to picket, protest, demonstrate and present petitions to public authorities. He claims the applicant’s detention is unlawful and illegal according to his rights.
Updates show that MP Babu Owino has been reportedly moved from Kirinyaga to an unknown destination. This comes after his family showed up at the station demanding his immediate release.
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