ODM Condemns GSU raid at Simba Arati’s office
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has condemned a recent police raid at the offices of Kisii Governor Simba Arati.
The opposition party, in a statement signed by secretary general Edwin Sifuna, termed the raid ‘mistreatment and harassment’ of the county chief.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna asserted that some individuals with “proximity to power” were employing tactics to undermine the county boss, who also serves as the opposition party’s vice chair.
He expressed concern over the heavy presence of armed police officers in Kisii town, which prevented the governor from carrying out his duties.
Said Sifuna: “The ODM Party condemns in the strongest terms possible the mistreatment and unwarranted harassment of the Governor of Kisii County HE. Hon. Simba Arati by some forces, using their proximity to power.”
It is important to note that there have been no reported security issues in Kisii town or its vicinity to justify the deployment of General Service Unit (GSU) personnel.
Regarding Monday’s operation, Sifuna alleged that the police were considering a raid on the governor’s residence outside Kisii town.
He highlighted the absence of a court-issued search warrant and said, “There is no search warrant that has been issued by the courts, and we find this to be the highest level of intimidation and coercion. Such raids should be carried out during the daytime. The Governor is available to provide any information they may be looking for.”
Sifuna called upon the government to treat elected leaders with respect regardless of their political affiliation, emphasizing that such intimidation and harassment of public officials elected to serve the people is unwarranted.
He stated, “This kind of intimidation and harassment of public officers, elected to serve the people is uncalled for and needs to be addressed by those in authority. This is the first time Kenyans are being treated to such shenanigans misusing the Red Berrets at the time when Kenyans in the North Rift, Lamu, and Samburu are faced with insecurity.”
Governor Arati himself viewed the office raid as a political witchhunt, suggesting a deliberate conspiracy to have him arrested.
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