The Linda Mwananchi movement has strongly condemned the arrest of Trans Nzoia County Assembly Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale, citing what it termed as a growing campaign of harassment against its leaders and supporters in Trans Nzoia County. Mwale, who is also the Matisi Ward MCA and a prospective Linda Mwananchi candidate for the Trans Nzoia Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, was arrested in Kitale and transferred to Kapenguria Police Station in neighbouring West Pokot County.
According to the movement's Head of Communication, Pauline Njoroge, armed police officers picked up Mwale before taking him to the police station, where he remained in custody. The police are reportedly investigating allegations that he financed criminal activities, mobilised gangs and organised groups accused of disrupting political activities in the region. However, Linda Mwananchi dismissed the accusations, claiming they were intended to silence Mwale, whom it described as a popular political figure challenging incumbent Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang.
The arrest comes amid escalating political tensions in Trans Nzoia, where Governor George Natembeya has been involved in a public political dispute with the national government. Mwale's arrest is also linked to allegations of a plot to obstruct President William Ruto's motorcade during his visit to Kitale on October 16. Governor Natembeya confirmed the arrest, saying Mwale was being held at Kapenguria Police Station ahead of his expected court appearance.
Governor Natembeya further claimed that Mwale was accused of sponsoring groups allegedly involved in disrupting Kenya Kwanza political rallies in the county. His arrest attracted supporters and members of his legal team to Kapenguria Police Station, with volunteer lawyers associated with Linda Mwananchi expected to represent him. The incident is the latest in a series of arrests and reported police actions involving individuals associated with Natembeya's administration.
On October 22, Amos Boaz Masika, a staff member in the governor's office who works as his official photographer was arrested. Masika was picked up by Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers in Kitale over unspecified criminal activities and detained at Kitale Police Station. David Musundi, another member of the governor's communications team, had gone into hiding after claiming that detectives were looking for him.
The political friction has also played out publicly over development projects in Trans Nzoia, including the KSh821 million Masinde Muliro Market project, whose ownership and implementation have been subjects of disagreement between Natembeya and the national government. In its statement, Linda Mwananchi accused authorities of targeting its members and those working closely with Natembeya, warning that the arrests would not derail its political activities.
The movement's condemnation comes as political groups begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Trans Nzoia emerging as one of the areas witnessing heightened political competition. Despite this harassment, the movement vowed to soldier on, more determined than ever to remove Ruto from office, reclaim its rights and freedoms, and restore the rule of law and constitutional order in the country.
Key points
- The Linda Mwananchi movement has condemned the arrest of Obed Mwale, citing political motivations.
- Mwale's arrest is linked to allegations of disrupting political activities and obstructing President William Ruto's motorcade.
- The incident is part of a series of arrests and police actions involving individuals associated with Governor George Natembeya's administration.
