ODM MP Warns CS Kindiki Over Arresting Hecklers

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has warned Interior CS Kithure Kindiki over his directive to the National Police Service (NPS) to arrest people heckling at political events.

In an update on Tuesday, March 19, Amisi said members of the public have a right to heckle and jeer when dissatisfied with their leaders and government policies.

“I want to warn you (CS Kindiki) against arresting one or two youths for heckling, which was heard from a rally of thousands of attendees, even your police officers present in the rallies might have heckled you. Mps heckle in parliament do you arrest them?” the ODM MP posed.

Amisi went on to say the nation cannot be governed through threats adding that the youth are the trustees of prosperity.

The ODM MP further called on Kenyans to resist the arrest of hecklers terming it despotic.

“I call upon all hustlers across the country to resist these new despotic tactics. Kenya needs a renaissance,” Amisi added.

CS Kindiki on Monday directed the law enforcement officers to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those causing mayhem at political parties.

The Interior CS also asked them to investigate and bring to book those sponsoring chaos at political events.

"The security team is also tasked to reign in on incidents of disorderly conduct in political meetings, conclude investigations and apprehend the organisers, financiers and perpetrators of hooliganism in the County, regardless of their political or social standing," Kindiki directed.

This is after President William Ruto encountered a hostile crowd over the weekend during his tour of Bomet and Kericho counties.

In the two incidents, locals booed Governor Erick Mutai and Governor Hillary Barchok forcing President Ruto to intervene. DP Rigathi  Gachagua also read a riot act to the Rift Valley leaders over the two incidents.