Oparanya released after being arrested for his participation in Azimio protests
Former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya has been released unconditionally after he arrested and held at Kakamega Police Station for a few hours.
Oparanya was arrested on Thursday presumably for his participation in Wednesday’s anti-government protests by leaders of Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition and their supporters.
Speaking to his jubilant supporters after his release, Oparanya said Azimio la Umoja will not relent in the struggle for the people of Kenya.
While addressing journalists earlier on at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi, Azimio leader Raila Odinga said Mr Oparanya was among opposition leaders who had been arrested in relation to the demonstrations that happened across the country.
Also read: Oparanya recounts how rowdy youths damaged his car during demos in Busia
“Among those in police custody is our very able Member of Parliament for Mavoko, the Honourable Patrick Makau and as we speak we have just learnt of the arrest of the Honorable Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya,” Mr Odinga said.
During the protests, Mr Oparanya’s was damaged by rowdy youths in Busia County. According to Mr Oparanya, the youths pelted his car with stones as they were heading to the home of Matayos MP, Geoffrey Odanga.
“We were heading to Mheshimiwa’s home for some tea but the youth started chasing us while throwing stones at us,” he said.
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Oparanya, who has been in the frontline of Azimio la Umoja demos, also faulted the police for assaulting members of the public in the town without any provocation.
“This is very unfair to the public. Those who were just walking peacefully in town unarmed were being beaten by police. People have the right to walk,” he said.
After the protests, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki said those behind the protests and their funders will not go unpunished.
Prof Kindiki blamed the planners of the protests for the acts of violence, looting and destruction of public and private property that characterised the demonstrations.
Also read: What we know so far about Mavoko MP Patrick Makau’s arrest over maandamano