Aladwa’s arrest followed a directive by the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 23 – To detectives, the former Mayor of Nairobi George Aladwa was a suspect, but to tens of supporters who camped outside the CID offices at Kilimani Police Station he is a ‘hero.’
The otherwise serene compound roared to life as the supporters chanted slogans praising Aladwa.
“Aladwa is a hero, he is our hero,” one of the agitated supporters could be heard shouting while another belted out the ‘Bado Mapambano’ song.
Undeterred, police continued questioning the vocal Nairobi Orange Democratic Movement chairman.
Aladwa’s arrest followed a directive by the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko who wants him questioned for inciting violence, should Opposition leader Raila Odinga lose the 2017 election.
“My attention has been drawn to a video clip in which the above named person (Aladwa) is captured uttering the following words among others: “2017 imekaribia na sisi kama watu wa ODM tumebaki na risasi moja… this time round the outcome of the election ikiwa tumeshinda na watunyang’anye wacha kiumane… Raila ndio awe President lazima watu wakufe kiasi,” DPP Keriako Tobiko told the CID.
Aladwa has however blamed the media for misquoting him, claiming his remarks were not meant to incite violence.
One of the supporters had this to say about the remarks: “Aladwa said when Baba (Raila Odinga) wins 2017 elections, we shall die of joy.”
“People normally die during celebrations…even in the case of Arsenal and Man United wins and losses.”
To Aladwa’s supporters, his arrest was selective, “as there are other people guilty of hate speech. Where is Moses Kuria (Gatundu South Member of Parliament)? they would ask any officer passing buy. “Arrest him!”
CID Director Ndegwa Muhoro who spoke to Capital FM News from London says the investigation will be expedited and a file handed to the DPP for review.
CORD leader Raila Odinga was the first to arrive at the station soon after Aladwa’s arrest but he left shortly after.
Other leaders included Jakoyo Midiwo, James Orengo and Junet Mohammed who accompanied Aladwa to CID headquarters as a show of solidarity.
Aladwa was taken to the CID headquarters using Orengo’s vehicle after supporters protested against using a police vehicle.
“He will be mishandled…he must use Senator’s car,” they demanded.
Police had a hard time trying to convince them otherwise but eventually, they gave in to the demands.
On Friday evening, lawyers representing Aladwa accused police of hiding him even after securing bond for his release.
Lawyer Haroun Ndubi told Capital FM News that they had not been able to locate their client after securing consent from the court for his release.
The lawyers went to the Kamukunji Police Station where he was held earlier but were notified he had been taken away by the arresting officers to a location they were not privy to.
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