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File photo shows Makadara MP Gidion Mbuvi alias Sonko/CFM

Kenya

DPP piles pressure on Sonko over ‘assault’ in Parliament

File photo shows Makadara MP Gidion Mbuvi alias Sonko/CFM

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 17 – The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the Police Commissioner to expedite investigations into allegations that Makadara MP Gidion Mbuvi alias Sonko assaulted a senior parliamentary official.

Keriko Tobiko said in a letter to Mathew Iteere on Wednesday that he wants a report into the probe submitted to him within seven days.

Tobiko said the urgency in concluding the probe is necessitated by the gravity, public importance and the likely consequence the incident may have on the integrity of the National Assembly.

“This to direct you pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution to cause a speedy and through investigation to be carried out into the said incident and have your report and findings thereon submitted to me within seven days for appropriate action, ” said the DPP.

Tobiko has also directed that case be handled by an officer of a senior rank and experience as the matter warrants.

The Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende had earlier called for prompt investigations into the matter which happened last Thursday within Parliament buildings.

Marende has also summoned the powerful Powers and Privileges Committee of Parliament to a meeting next Thursday over the allegations.

Capital FM News has learnt that the altercation occurred as Mbuvi charged at Attorney General Githu Muigai within the precincts of Parliament, but the parliamentary officer stepped in, taking the blow.

Marende said in a statement that he was fully aware of the accusations made against Sonko by the senior parliamentary security officer.

“The parliamentary officer who is alleged to have been assaulted and who is a Senior Sergeant-at-Arms recorded a statement at the Parliament Police Station on 11th October, 2012 under Occurrence Book entry number 21. He has also obtained a Medical Examination Report (P3) from the Kenya Police Surgeon. The officers of the Parliament Police Station have been actively engaged in investigating the matter.”

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“My office takes seriously any breach or abuse of parliamentary powers or privileges. For this reason, I have summoned the members of the Committee of Privileges of Parliament to an urgent meeting of the committee to discuss and inquire into this matter. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 25th October, 2012 at 2:30pm,” Marende said.

Section 9 of the Powers and Privileges Act gives the Speaker the mandate to investigate the conduct of MPs.

The Powers and Privileges Act provides: “The Speaker may, from time to time as he deems expedient, issue directions in the form of a Code of Conduct regulating the conduct of members of the assembly whilst within the precincts of the assembly other than the chamber.”

The committee has powers to deal with errant MPs including stopping their remunerations and benefits.

According to multiple sources, Sonko run into the AG as he was about to enter the chamber as the lawmaker was exiting after being ejected from participating in the day’s proceedings for disorderly conduct.

“It’s at this point that Sonko loudly protested that Muigai was taking sides with “land grabbers”.

“Muigai was carrying documents and reluctantly talked to Sonko. Suddenly without warning, Sonko lunged at the AG. The officer who tried to intervene was shoved by the MP leaving him injured in the process.”

Muigai was then led away by another officer.

Marende has in the meantime asked those who may have witnessed the alleged assault to record statements at the Parliament Police Station.

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“I further appeal to all Honourable Members of Parliament who may have witnessed the alleged assault to record their statements at the Parliament Police Station within the next three days. I call upon the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to expedite investigations into this matter and to take all necessary measures.”

Sonko is said to have accosted the AG over a disputed piece of land near the Muthangari Police Station, in Nairobi.

The AG had asked the CID to probe the MP and come up with a report for action.

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