Karen MCA arrested for holding ‘illegal’ vigil
Thirty seven people including Karen MCA David Mberia were held Wednesday at the Hardy Police Station for allegedly holding a night vigil without a permit.
The group had organized a vigil to make preparations for the burial of a Mr George Ngari who died in Kuwinda slums.
According to eye witnesses, Deputy OCS Ali Abdi together with 15 other officers moved in and beat them for failing to produce a permit even after they provided one signed by Hardy Police Station Commander Vitalis Kemboi.
They claim that the officers insisted on seeing another permit from the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema).
“You are granted permission to hold burial functions from May 4, 2015 to May 8, 2015, for the arrangements for Geroge Ngari who died in Kuwinda slums,” reads a copy of the OCS’s permit seen by Nairobi News.
ASSAULTED
When Mr Mberia went to the police station to demand their release, the officers arrested him and held him until Thursday morning.
He claims the officers assaulted him and tore his shirt even though he had approached them calmly.
“When I told him I was the area MCA he said he did not care and insulted me. If he cannot respect elected leaders how will he deal with hapless wananchi,” he said.
Mr Mberia claims the officer also insulted the mourners calling them ‘kaffirs’ and had seriously wounded two people.
He added that the Deputy OCS had only reported to the station two weeks ago and now wants Inspector General David Boinett to transfer him from the area or face mass protests from residents.
The MCA was released on a Sh10, 000 cash bail and will appear in court on Tuesday next week for “resisting arrest”.
Part of the group were charged on Thursday for being drunk and disorderly while others were released without a charge.