Kagan MCA among those arrested during maandamano in Homa Bay

Gem West MCA Patrick Ware, Kochia MCA Michael Nyang'i and his Arujo counterpart Tony Otieno were consulting at Homa Bay Police Station after addressing journalists [James Omoro, Standard]

A member of the Homa Bay County assembly is among 26 people who were arrested during anti-government protests on Wednesday.

The MCA for Kagan ward Hamilton Odhiambo was arrested in Homa Bay town during the demonstrations and detained at the Homa Bay police station where he spent the night.

Kochia MCA Michael Nyang'i, his Arujo counterpart Tony Otieno and Gem West MCA Patrick Ware demanded the release of their colleague.

Nyang'i said Odhiambo should be released unconditionally.

He argued that Odhiambo was participating in a demonstration which is constitutionally acceptable.

"The MCA was participating in a demonstration which was legally acceptable. We urge police to release him unconditionally," Nyang'i said.

Otieno faulted police for arresting Odhiambo at a time when he was participating in a peaceful demonstration.

"He did not deserve the arrest because a peaceful demonstration is allowed in the law," Otieno said.

Otieno argued that anybody who is demonstrating peacefully should not be interfered with

"The constitution grants us the freedom to demonstrate hence we deserve that freedom," Otieno said

Homa Bay County Police Commander Samson Kinne said Odhiambo was arrested when he was protesting with youths in the town

His arrest brings the number of people who were arrested in the demonstrations to 26 in the county on Wednesday.

"It is true the MCA was arrested alongside other protestors for engaging in unlawful activities. We have arrested 26 people," Kinne said

The Police boss said they will continue to arrest more protestors who engage in illegal activities.

"We cannot allow anybody to engage in a demonstration which leads to property destruction and violence," the police boss warned.

Meanwhile, a Ugandan citizen disappeared in River Awach in Rachuonyo North Sub County when he was escaping police on Wednesday evening. Residents were still looking for him in the river on Thursday morning to find out whether he was dead or not.