Sleuths arrest on-the-run MP over alleged incitement

East Africa Legislative Assembly  Member Florence Jematia was yesterday arrested over  alleged incitement.

Jematai was arrested within Nairobi’s Westpark Estate and taken to Nairobi Area Directorate of Criminal Investigations offices for grilling.

She was later transferred to Eldoret.

The legislator had been on the run after she was summoned to record a statement in regards to a statement she made  in Mochongoi Ward in Baringo South on Sunday.

She is said to have uttered reckless, incendiary and divisive comments, calling on residents to raise funds to purchase firearms.

Baringo County Commissioner Abdirizak Jaldesa said two other local politicians, who were also present in the said meeting had recorded statements.

“We have sufficient evidence to charge her with incitement to violence,” Jaldesa said.

In the video that has since gone viral, the EALA legislator is captured inciting residents, saying that the government had failed to protect them.

She goes further to mobilise for the acquisition of a ‘paybill’ number to raise the required funds.

“We cannot continue holding peace meetings over the years without a formidable solution, yet women and children spend the night in the bushes due to displacement. We have lost more than enough people in the war-torn area and this should be stopped,” she says.

Local leaders

She adds: “We need a paybill number now to collect funds to purchase guns. If people can afford motorcycles, then they can afford arms as well. Local leaders should also allocate funds to the same to solve this menace if the government is (reluctant) to hear our cries,” she said.

The region is prone to attacks and Jematai’s remarks come amidst a multi-agency security operation following increased insecurity as a result of bandit attacks.

On Tuesday evening, two brothers were killed by suspected bandits in Kasiela and Arabal area within the county.

Two other people sustained injures.

The deceased have been identified as Samuel Chepsat and David Chepsat.

They  were returning home after grazing their livestock when they were attacked.

Efforts by police to retrieve the bodies at the time proved futile as it was suspected the assailants had laid an ambush for them.

Jaldesa said more officers will be deployed to contain the rising insecurity.