Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has exposed an alleged scheme to arrest Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Speaking on Sunday, May 18, Kalonzo alleged that authorities are planning to raid the governor’s residence on Monday.
The former vice president explained that the idea is to tarnish Natembeya's name as he will be released without being charged after the arrest.
“Governor Natembeya is threatened as we speak; on Monday, May 19, they are supposed to obtain a search warrant to search his house. The intention is to have the governor arrested, for the people of Trans Nzoia to see that their governor has been arrested, then he gets released. We are on the lookout if they dare arrest Governor Natembeya," he warned.
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Kalonzo's remarks come a week after Natembeya led protests against the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company.
The governor was alongside other locals, teargassed while participating in the demonstrations.
In a statement, Natembeya said the demos, which drew hundreds of locals, were abruptly disrupted by police officers who used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
"The journey to Nzoia Sugar Company to find the truth was disrupted by police officers who threw tear gas canisters at us and the protestors who had accompanied us to the factory," he said.
Natembeya, who has been a vocal critic of plans to lease the state-owned sugar mill, argued that it would have devastating consequences for the region's economy.
"We must get to the bottom of this for the sake of our people. The Nzoia Sugar Company is a critical economic pillar for Western Kenya, supporting over 45,000 farmers and providing livelihoods for millions directly and indirectly.
"I perceive the privatization or leasing of this institution as a menace to the region's economy, particularly given its pivotal role in supporting sugarcane farmers and local communities. The smell of tear gas is necessary in the quest for freedom," he declared.
