Governor Prepares Tea for Police Boss Raiding His Home

Police during a previous operation
Police during a previous operation

Kisii Governor James Ongwae had a rather unexpected reaction when a contingent of officers led by their police boss raided his home.

Rather than lawyering up and claiming that his rights had been infringed, the county head opted to serve tea to the police boss who was leading the operation in his home.

The incident was brought to light in a statement by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on Friday, May 14, claiming harassment over the Bonchari by-election in the region.

"The governor was at the time having a meeting with Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri and another county leader when the officers descended on his premise with guns and teargas," Sifuna stated.

Kisii Governor James Ongwae during a previous press briefing.
Kisii Governor James Ongwae during a previous press briefing.
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The governor on seeing the police contingent directed his staff to prepare tea for the police boss as he inquired as to why the police officer had surrounded his home.

In the statement, Sifuna alleged that the police boss had been informed that an unlawful assembly was taking place in the governor's residence.

When the governor offered the officer the tea that had been prepared, the boss refused adding that he would only leave when the other leaders left the house as well.

A person having a cup of tea
A person having a cup of tea
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Speaking on the incident, Ongwae stated that even though he preferred to steer clear of political chaos, the incident had shaken him.

"The intimidation by the police was unnecessary. It is clear that desperate times have led to desperate measures and I have been forced to speak out because the use of excessive force is not good for democracy," he explained on the incident that occurred on Thursday, May 13.

The ODM party further noted that several intimidation tactics had been used by the police during the campaigns for the Bonchari parliamentary seat.

ODM picked former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director-General Pavel Oimeke to fly the party's flag.

On its part, Jubilee chose former legislator Zebedeo Opore to battle for the seat.

Jubilee Vice Chair David Murathe noted that unlike in recent by-elections where the party withdrew participation in respect for ODM, they were ready for a showdown.

Jubilee Vice Chairperson David Murathe speaking to the press in a past briefing
Jubilee Vice Chairperson David Murathe speaking to the press in a past briefing
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