Trans Nzoia Deputy Speaker Mwale Obed Mahanga faces allegations linked to Ruto’s Kitale tour.
Governor George Natembeya confirms Mwale Obed Mahanga’s detention over allegations linked to President William Ruto’s Kitale tour.
Trans Nzoia deputy speaker arrested over an alleged plot to block President William Ruto’s motorcade faces court proceedings, Governor George Natembeya has confirmed. Mwale Obed Mahanga, who also represents Matisi Ward, spent the night at Kapenguria Police Station.
Natembeya said the allegations concern Ruto’s visit to Kitale. He added that Mahanga would appear in court at 9am the following morning.
Deputy speaker arrested as supporters seek release
Natembeya said Mahanga also faces accusations of sponsoring groups to disrupt Kenya Kwanza rallies in Trans Nzoia. The governor linked the motorcade allegation to the President’s tour, during which Ruto launched development projects.
Meanwhile, supporters and members of Mahanga’s legal team gathered at Kapenguria Police Station to seek his release. Volunteer lawyers allied to the Linda Mwananchi team will represent the deputy speaker in court.
Linda Mwananchi leaders also condemned the arrest in social media posts. Several described it as a political witch hunt ahead of the 2027 General Election. Their criticism came amid an ongoing political feud between Natembeya and the President.
Kitale encounter adds to political tensions
During the Kitale visit, Ruto’s motorcade encountered Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s convoy at the town’s flyover. The President was leaving after launching projects, including a student village and medical training facilities.
Sifuna, meanwhile, was arriving with his Linda Mwananchi team. After Ruto departed, the senator and Natembeya addressed supporters before police dispersed the gathering with tear gas. Two police officers suffered injuries, and two government vehicles sustained damage during the incident.
The arrest adds to tensions between Natembeya and Ruto, whose disputes also involve local development projects. A tussle over ownership of the Ksh821 million Masinde Muliro Market project has featured prominently in their rivalry. The withdrawal of Natembeya’s security has also heightened the political friction.
