“We understand that since the six of them were brought here, they have only been given one meal. We don’t want to talk about the quality and this is gross abuse of their human rights. We want to remind all those who were concerned that the Constitution 2010 is very strong on the bill of rights,” Wiper leader Musyoka stated.
Odinga on his part indicated that there is no law that allows the police to block people from visiting those detained.
“There is no secret about police cells as you know. Since we came here there have been consultations. We are told that they are asking authorities above and that above has been above up to now. It basically amounts to detention without trial,” he said.
Supporters of the leaders have however expressed mixed reactions with some saying the leaders, just like ordinary Kenyans should not be given any special treatment.
“How can you bend laws because they are leaders?” one of those at the station Wilfred Njoka asked.
“You cannot take Kenya for granted. People must be held responsible of what they say and just because they are leaders they cannot be allowed to move around talking aimlessly. No special treatment.”
To Njoka, “they should even be taken to Kamiti Maximum Security prison. You cannot talk about special treatment for people spewing hatred among Kenyans.”
Another differed with Njoka saying, “even the colonial government allowed Kenyans to see Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and his colleagues when they were held in Kapenguria.”
“This is not a prison but a police cell where one can be given food,” an 82-year-old supporter of Muthama and a resident of Machakos said.
Others said it was a sign that the rule of the law was now being enforced, not only to the poor and but also the rich.
On social media, under the hashtag Pangani, Kenyans on Twitter also had their say.
Here are some of the tweets:
One man in pangani cells trying to save his tribal leaders, while his opponent is in Belgium meeting world leaders.both are in tarîî
— mwangi thuku (@JosephtThuku) June 16, 2016
Inmates at Pangani police cells are said to delighted with their 'VIP' colleagues sharing delicious warm meals.
— Ahmed Mohamed (@asmali77) June 16, 2016
Raila visiting detained leaders in Pangani, is hypocrisy of highest toll wish he could dedicate this time visiting injured cord hooligans
— cyrus kipkirui (@CyrusKips) June 16, 2016
Never been so happy about a news story as the drama at Pangani. More Mps should now volunteer to be locked up and show solidarity
— Volumes On Max (@maxradio99) June 16, 2016
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