Wycliffe Oparanya, the former governor of Kakamega, was arrested – Azimio
On Thursday, July 13, Azimio La Umoja said that former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya had been arrested in connection with the anti-government demonstrations that had paralyzed the nation on July 12. Former Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa criticized the police in a press briefing at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation for what he called an arbitrary arrest.
The opposition urged the quick release of those detained and the dismissal of the accusations brought against the former governor. “We recently found out that Oparanya had been arrested, and Mavoko MP Patrick Makau is one among those being held by the police. Wamalwa remarked, “We demand the immediate and unconditional dismissal of all charges against these two for taking part in a constitutionally protected action.
“Across the country, families are mourning their loved ones who are victims of the police force. Tens of people have been hospitalised with gunshot, arrows and panga (machetes) wounds.
Some victims, he claimed, were young schoolchildren who did not participate in the demonstrations.
Wamalwa read Azimio’s statement, “Hundreds have been held in jail or charged with crimes for taking part in protests that our Constitution protects.” The former Defense CS also criticized police for employing disproportionate force to put an end to the protests on Wednesday, July 12. “We denounce the needless brutality and state-approved police violence against civilians that is evolving into the new normal in Kenya. We are extremely alarmed by the ongoing cruelty of innocent Kenyans. Wamalwa announced the next steps while stating that demonstrations would go on as planned on Wednesday, July 19, despite resistance and warnings from President William Ruto and his deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua.
Five days of mourning will be observed by the Azimio coalition and its supporters in memory of Kenyans who lost their lives during the massive protests.
“We are going for individual responsibility, especially against police commanders. The statement said, in part, “We will also take five days to support families as they mourn their loved ones.
Leader of the Azimio party Raila Odinga echoed his comments and indicated that meetings would be held on Wednesday with or without permission from the police.
