Kitui Speaker Condemns Arrest of Deputy Minority Leader Jeremiah Mutua, Demands Immediate Release

Tensions continue to rise following the arrest of Hon. Jeremiah Mutua, the Deputy Minority Leader of the Kitui County Assembly and MCA for Nguni Ward. The arrest, which occurred earlier today, was carried out by officers from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). Hon. Mutua, popularly known as Nzou, was allegedly taken into custody in relation to the ongoing conflict between camel herders and the Kamba community at the Kitui-Tana River border.

The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from Kitui leaders, who have condemned the manner in which it was conducted. In a strongly worded statement, Kitui County Assembly Speaker Hon. Kinengo expressed his concern, labeling the arrest as “desperate and discriminatory.” He further claimed that the arrest was both unprocedural and unlawful, as neither the County Assembly nor the Speaker’s Office had received any formal warrant or notice summoning Hon. Mutua.

“I only received a summons letter from DCI Kitui last week, which Hon. Mutua promptly honored. He was told to wait for further instructions, but no further communication was made,” stated Speaker Kinengo. “Today’s arrest is an attack on an elected leader who should be respected, especially as he strives to secure the rights and safety of his people.”

The conflict between camel herders and the Kamba community at the Kitui-Tana River border has intensified in recent weeks, with multiple attacks reported in areas such as Mandongoi in Ngomeni Ward. Speaker Kinengo called for solidarity among Kitui residents, urging them to support their leaders as they continue to fight for the protection and security of their people.

In his statement, Speaker Kinengo demanded the immediate release of Hon. Mutua and the dropping of all charges against him. He warned that legal action would be taken against NCIC and other entities involved in what he described as the harassment and intimidation of Kitui leaders.

The situation remains tense, with leaders in Kitui County vowing not to relent in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of their constituents.