By Ongaga Ongaga
The Linda Mwananchi movement has condemned the arrest of Trans Nzoia County Assembly Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale, accusing police of using intimidation to target leaders associated with Governor George Natembeya.
Mwale, who represents Matisi Ward and is eyeing the Trans Nzoia Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, was arrested by armed police officers in Kitale on Monday, November 2, and taken to Kapenguria Police Station in neighbouring West Pokot County.
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He was presented at Kapenguria Law Courts on Tuesday morning, although details of the proceedings were not immediately available by the time of publication.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Linda Mwananchi Head of Communication Pauline Njoroge said police accused Mwale of financing criminal activities and organising goons.
However, the movement dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, claiming the arrest was intended to frustrate his political ambitions.
“We reject these allegations as politically motivated and intended to intimidate and silence Obed, a very popular candidate who is challenging UDA’s Allan Chesang,” Njoroge said.
The movement further claimed Mwale’s arrest was part of a growing pattern of harassment targeting its leaders in Trans Nzoia and individuals working closely with Natembeya.
Governor Natembeya confirmed Mwale’s detention, linking the accusations against him to the October 16 confrontation in Kitale involving President William Ruto’s motorcade and a convoy carrying Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Linda Mwananchi supporters.
“Obed Mwale has been locked up in a cell, waiting for arraignment in court tomorrow at 9 am. Some of the charges are obstructing Ruto’s motorcade while in Kitale,” Natembeya said.
The October incident occurred as Ruto left Kitale after launching development projects and Sifuna’s convoy arrived in the town. After the President’s departure, Sifuna and Natembeya addressed supporters before police dispersed the gathering using tear gas.
The National Police Service subsequently reported that two officers had been injured and two government vehicles damaged during the confrontation. Police said investigations had been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Mwale’s arrest has added to the political tensions between Natembeya and the national government, with disagreements also emerging over development projects and the governor’s security arrangements.
Linda Mwananchi demanded justice for the MCA, warning against what it termed arbitrary arrests and intimidation of political leaders and their supporters.
“Despite this harassment, we will soldier on, more determined than ever to remove Ruto from office, reclaim our rights and freedoms, and restore the rule of law and constitutional order in our country,” Njoroge said.
Mwale is seeking to challenge incumbent Senator Allan Chesang for the Trans Nzoia Senate seat in the next General Election.
