The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Police in Kitale are investigating an incident in which West Pokot Deputy Governor Nicholas Atudonyang’ allegedly choked and threatened a woman with a gun at a local hotel over land.
County Commander Samson Ole Kine confirmed that investigations had been launched over complaints lodged by Jane Wafula against the deputy governor.
Wafula recorded a statement at Kitale police station, accusing Atudonyang’ of harassing her over a Sh7.4 million land deal before getting physical.
Wafula says the deputy governor and his bodyguard mishandled her at a hotel where they met to discuss the issues related to the land deal.
Wafula who works for the Trans-Nzoia County Service Board further claimed the DG attempted to strangle her after they differed over the land issue before she was rescued by workers at the hotel.
During the argument between the woman and the deputy governor, it is claimed the latter’s bodyguard drew a pistol to scare members of the public who had swarmed in to witness the unfolding drama.
The woman said that the deputy governor with the help his bodyguard dragged her into a waiting vehicle with West Pokot deputy governor’s registration plate and drove her to Kitale police station.
Wafula told The Standard she will pursue for the prosecution of the deputy governor for harassing her.
“He embarrassed me and I fear for my life after his bodyguard whipped out the pistol. I want justice on this matter,” she said.
It is said trouble between the deputy governor and Wafula began last week when the former went to inspect a prime land in Kitale he had purchased from the woman’s father in-law.
According to sources the woman was left out in the land transaction reportedly conducted between the DG and the woman’s husband and father-in-law.
This is said to have angered the woman to oppose the sale of the land and has since vowed not the let the land to go.
Contacted for comment, Atudonyang’ denied the accusation saying that his action was to save the woman from being lynched by members of the public who could have suspected she was a thief.
“The allegations are pure lies. I was just protecting her from public lynch(ing). Furthermore the woman’s husband fraudulently sold me a piece of land. I feel conned.” Atudonyang’ said.
The DG vowed not to rest until justice prevails arguing that some people are fraudulently fleecing West Pokot residents over land matters.
“Nothing will stop me from pursing justice on this matter. I won’t sit and watch as my people are conned by fraudsters. These con people must be brought to book,” he protested.
Yesterday, Ole Kine said they are probing the woman’s claims and the gun drama, terming the incident as unfortunate.
“It was wrong for the deputy governor’s bodyguard to draw a gun in public. We are investigating the matter to establish the truth,” said Ole Kine.
