CoG demands IG Koome to issue public apology to governor Mwangaza over her arrest
By Mary Ouko, October 19, 2023
The Council of Governors (CoG) have issued a statement demanding Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to apologise to Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza over her arrest.
In the statement shared via their official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, the governor’s body expressed concern over the arrest of Mwangaza noting that the action is a flagrant disregard of the governor’s rights in accordance with the Kenyan constitution.
While accusing the officers of bullying and intimidating county heads, CoG said IG Koome should apologise to governor Mwangaza for the embarrassment and ridicule she was subjected to by officers.
“Governors are elected state officers and Heads of County governments who are well known to the public, The case of mistaken identity therefore presented by the police is laughable.
“The action is a flagrant disregard for the governor’s rights as enshrined in Article 29 of the Constitution. We strongly condemn such bullying and intimidation and reiterate that the governor’s office must be respected. The actions of the police demonstrate a disturbing pattern of attacking and intimidating governors,” the statement reads in parts.
Press Statement on the Arbitrary Arrest of H.E Kawira Mwangaza
— Council of Governors (@KenyaGovernors) October 19, 2023
The Council of Governors takes great exception to yesterday’s event on the impulsive and unwarranted arrest of H.E Kawira Mwangaza, Governor, Meru County.@NPSOfficial_KE @IG_NPS pic.twitter.com/pkygYizsCT
The council also urged the police to refrain from being used to settle political scores and rely on facts and objectivity when executing their mandated roles.
Further, the council reiterated its commitment to embrace the spirit of cooperation and coordination.
“We wish to note that there are existing national government structures like the county commanders’ offices that can be used to call upon governors to present themselves to the police whenever a need arises,” the statement added.