MP Otiende Amollo protests withdrawal of opposition leaders’ security

Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo has called out the Kenya Kwanza administration over the alleged withdrawal of security attached to local opposition leaders.

Several lawmakers allied to the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition claim the government has withdrawn their security over involvement in anti-government protests.

National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said his security was withdrawn moments after his arrest outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday, March 20.

Nominated MP Nyakerario Mayaka also alleged that several other legislators had been affected for taking part in the demonstrations aimed at pushing for electoral and economic reforms.

Amollo said the government is wrong in the latest move seen as an attempt to control the current political crisis.

Amollo, while accusing the government of endangering the MPs’ lives, indicated that the cost of conducting a by-election in the country is more than that of providing them with protection.

“So the illegitimate regime believes we’ll be cowed by withdrawal of our security?! Dead wrong! Our resolve becomes stronger! A cost of a by-Elections for a dead MP is 1 million times what protection costs!

So The illegitimate Regime Believes We’ll Be Cowed By Withdrawal Of Our Security?! Dead Wrong! Our Resolve Becomes Stronger! A Cost Of A By-Elections For A Dead MP Is 1 Million Times What Protection Costs!

— Otiende Amollo, SC,MP, EBS (@OAmollo) March 24, 2023

Wandayi, who was among four members of parliament arrested on Monday for leading protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), had indicated that he was not worried about the withdrawal of his security detail as he was “protected by God”.

“The police have withdrawn my security. I am not worried. I am protected by God,” Wandayi said.

Wandayi was arrested alongside Kilifi Senator and minority leader Stewart Madzayo, Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi.

The leaders were arraigned in court on Thursday and charged with taking part in an unlawful assembly.

Kahawa Principal Magistrate Gideon Owenga released them on Ksh300,000 bond or Ksh50,000 cash bail each.