Reason why governor Wycliffe Oparanya was arrested during maandamano

Retired Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Opalaniya has been released after a dramatic arrest on Thursday, July 13, for allegedly participating in anti-government demonstrations.

Shortly after being released from police custody on Thursday evening, the former district chief announced that he had been charged with using an official vehicle during demonstrations called by the opposition on Wednesday.

He said he was stopped in a convoy in Khayega by plainclothes police on his way to Kakamega to have dinner with his friends.

Oparanya said the officers were using three vehicles with private license plates, but they came down with their guns pointed at her. One of the officers forced the driver out of the car, grabbed the steering wheel and drove off. He said he could go home until further notice from the Directorate General of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

Oparanya lawyers allege that the former district chief was treated like a terrorist when he was arrested and threatened to sue DCI for violating the rights of his clients.

“He (Oparanya) was arrested like a terrorist. Kakamega’s DCI attacked his car and threw the driver out. They jumped on the steering wheel and eventually tried to bring the vehicle into an accident.” said the lawyer. The vehicle in question was detained despite the former governor’s release, the attorney said.

He said Opalaniya was exercising his right when he led demonstrations in Busia and Bungoma on Wednesday and gave police 24 hours to release the vehicle.

“…just 24 hours after yesterday’s attempted assassination in Busia, we are denouncing the governor’s rights and suing the DCI for harassment that they violated.” There was… he survived.” Opalanya was released shortly after Azimio La Umoja (one of Kenya’s coalition leaders) Raila Odinga called for the release of all opposition supporters arrested at Wednesday’s protests.

Raila addressed reporters at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation office in Nairobi on Thursday and was among hundreds of Kenyans detained for taking part in protests. The CEO of Azimio was also announced to be included.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional dropping of all charges against Mr. Opalaniya, Mr. Makau and all those arrested for participating in protests against constitutionally protected punitive policies,” Lyra said. said Mr. The leaders were arrested a day after Home Minister Kindiki promised to ensure the arrest and prosecution of organizers and funders of Wednesday’s violent demonstrations.