The Council of Governors (CoG) has condemned the manner in which their Tana River County counterpart, Dhadho Godhana, was arrested.
In a statement released on Saturday, October 12, 2024, CoG said the Tana River County boss was arrested by officials from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“COG strongly condemns the unjust arrest of H.E. Dhadho Godhana, Governor of Tana River, by DCI officers last night (on Friday, October 11, 2024). This act disregards the governor’s rights under Article 29 of the Constitution. Governors are elected leaders, and such actions should follow legal and formal protocols.
“The Council of Governors takes great exemption in the recent event last night that led up to the impulsive arrest of H.E. Dhadho Godhana, the Governor of Tana River County. The circumstances surrounding his arrest occurring at his residence and carried out by DCI officers raise significant questions about the legality and appropriateness of the arrest,” the statement added.
The governors’ body said that the manner in which Dhadho was arrested went against his rights.
“Governors are elected state officers and heads of county governments who are well known to the public. The manner in which the governor was arrested is a flagrant disregard to the governor’s rights as enshrined in Article 29 of the Constitution, and we strongly condemn such bullying in no uncertain terms,” it added.
CoG added that if DCI wanted Dhadho for questioning, they would have done it through the established channels between different sectors of the state.
“Further, if the DCI required the governor’s presence for questioning, this request should have been communicated through formal channels, ensuring adherence to established protocols.
“The existence of national government structures, such as county commanders’ offices, provides a more appropriate means for summoning governors, preserving the integrity of their roles in governance,” the statement concluded.
CoG’s statement comes at a time when Tana River County is in the public limelight due to recent clashes.