10 Machakos County askaris in court for assaulting MCA

Kalama MCA Boniface Maeke who allegedly suffered a broken ankle following a dramatic arrest attempt by Machakos County askaris on January 31, 2024. [Courtesy, Handout]

At least 10 officers attached to Machakos County inspectorate on Thursday appeared before Machakos Law Courts following the attack on a Member of County Assembly (MCA).

The county askaris appeared before Principal Magistrate, Mary Otindo but did not take plea after the prosecution requested for more time to draft the charges.

They are accused of assaulting Kalama Ward MCA, Boniface Maeke within the court premises on Wednesday.

The MCA, who is recuperating in an undisclosed medical facility, is said to have sustained serious injuries inflicted on him by the attackers who were arrested immediately after the incident.

During Thursday proceedings, the prosecution indicated that it was in the process of firming up evidence to nail those implicated in the incident.

Among the charges the prosecution intends to level against the suspects are assault, causing bodily harm as well as robbery with violence.

The prosecution is seeking to have the suspects detained in police custody for at least 14 days in order to conclude investigation into the matter.

However, the Principal Magistrate, deferred the ruling to Friday morning after the defense made an application to have the suspects released on bond.

The incident attracted condemnation from leaders from across the political divide, who called for stern action against the perpetrators.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti, in a statement read on her behalf by County Secretary, Muya Ndambuki, called for probe into the matter.

Wavinya also called for collaborative efforts between her administration and other agencies to ensure justice.

"I condemn the unfortunate incident and I am directing the County Secretary to work closely with other relevant agencies to investigate this matter and report back for further action," she said.

Former Machakos Town MP, Victor Munyaka also condemned the attack on the MCA, terming it a barbaric act.

"The unfortunate incident of violence witnessed in Machakos was heart breaking and shameful. There is no excuse whatsoever to justify the barbaric act meted against the MCA by the County Inspectorate officers," Dr Munyaka said.

Former State House Chief of Staff, Nzioka Waita, who lost the governor race to Wavinya in the last General Election also condemned the act.

"Assaulting an elected member of the County Assembly, robbing him and humiliating him within the confines of the High Court using county inspectorate is yet a new low point for the county of Machakos. I condemn this criminal act and assure the people of Machakos that I will stand with Maeke and his colleagues at this time," he said.

The Law Society of Kenya, through its South Eastern branch chairperson, Mutua Makau termed the attack on the MCA a 'blatant disregard of the Constitution and disrespect to the rule of law.

"We demand a thorough investigation into the incident and swift but lawful action against all the perpetrators. We urge all persons to uphold the tenets of our democratic society as enshrined in our Constitution and statutes," Makau said in a statement to the press.

Mwala MP, Vincent Musau and his Mavoko counterpart, Patrick Makau also condemned the incident.