UDA Politicians Detained as Martha Karua Tours Kirinyaga

Aspirants at the Hustler Center, the UDA headquarters on Wednesday, March 09.
Aspirants at the Hustler Center, the UDA headquarters on Wednesday, March 09.
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Two politicians allied with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) are behind bars after they were accused of planning to disrupt an event for Azimio La Umoja's running mate, Martha Wangari Karua.

A source privy to the issue confirmed that UDA coordinator in Kirinyaga, Don Bosco, and the county's Majority Leader, James Kamau, were picked by police on the night of Monday, May 16.

Bosco was allegedly picked up from his home but it is not clear where Kamau was arrested at.

"So far, UDA coordinator and the Majority Leader, who is the senatorial candidate, have been arrested. Each individual was arrested separately. Bosco was arrested at his home at night.

Kirinyaga County Assembly Majority Leader James Kamau.
Kirinyaga County Assembly Majority Leader James Kamau.
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James Kamau

"Martha was to come here together with Raila Odinga. The allegation is that the leaders planned to heckle," stated the source.

The police are yet to reveal the motive for the arrests by the time of this publishing.

The arrests have, however, attracted criticism from Deputy President William Ruto's camp who argue that they are politically motivated.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, in a statement she shared on Tuesday, May 17, argued that the detention was aimed at coercing some of the UDA-allied leaders to switch their allegiance to Azimio la Umoja headed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

"I strongly condemn last evening's arbitrary arrests of UDA aspirants, officials and supporters perpetrated by State in a futile attempt to make them support Azimio.

"We demand the immediate release of Kirinyaga Majority Leader and incoming Senator James Kamau Murango- Senator Kirinyaga County 2022, UDA coordinator Gichangi Bosco and all UDA supporters still in custody on a political witch hunt," stated the Governor.

Raila and Karua are set to host a homecoming rally on Tuesday in Kirinyaga, the home county of the Narc Kenya leader.

Karua is also expected to hold a series of roadshows to popularise Azimio's candidature in Mt Kenya region.

From left Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, Murang'a Woman Rep. Sabina Chege, Narc Kenya party leader MarthaKarua and Azimio flag bearer Raila Odinga at the KICC during the running mate
From left Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, Murang'a Woman Rep. Sabina Chege, Narc Kenya party leader MarthaKarua and Azimio flag bearer Raila Odinga during the running mate unveiling ceremony at the KICC on Monday, May 16, 2022
Martha Karua
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