15 UDA supporters in Kisii charged with holding illegal political meeting

UDA supporters and other leaders lead by former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara (third left) at the Kisii High Court. [Eric Abuga, Standard]

Fifteen supporters of the UDA party candidate in the Bonchari by-election in Kisii have been charged with holding an illegal political meeting.

Police arrested the 15 on Sunday evening from St Angelic Teachers College in Suneka town while attending a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) campaign meeting.

They spent Sunday night at the Suneka police station before they were transferred to the Kisii High Court on Monday morning.

They have been released on Sh5,000 each.

UDA-allied leaders, including former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara, say the arrests are aimed at intimidating UDA supporters and party candidate Teresa Bitutu.

"Covid-19 measures are clear on the number of people who are supposed to hold meetings," he said.

Magara went on, "Those arrested are within the set number of 15 people. This is wrong and those misusing their powers should focus on other important matters, including working with other leaders for the sake of our people."

Bitutu is the widow of the late MP John Oroo who died three months ago.

The by-election is slated for May 18.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has cleared 15 candidates for the race.