The Linda Mwananchi movement has demanded the immediate release of Trans Nzoia County Assembly Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale following his arrest by armed police officers in Kitale.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, the movement condemned the arrest of Mwale, who is also the Matisi Ward MCA and a Senate aspirant in Trans Nzoia County.
Mwale was reportedly picked up by armed police officers in Kitale on Monday before being taken to Kapenguria Police Station in neighbouring West Pokot County.
Linda Mwananchi rejected allegations by police that Mwale was involved in financing criminal activities and organising goons, describing them as politically motivated.
“We strongly condemn the arrest of Trans Nzoia County Assembly Deputy Speaker, Matisi Ward MCA and Linda Mwananchi Senate aspirant for Trans Nzoia County, Obed Mwale,” said Pauline Njoroge, the movement’s Head of Communication.
“According to the police, he is accused of funding criminal activities and organising goons. We reject these allegations as politically motivated and intended to intimidate and silence Obed,” she added.
The movement claimed Mwale’s arrest was part of a growing pattern of harassment and intimidation targeting its leaders in Trans Nzoia County and individuals working closely with Governor George Natembeya.
It further alleged that the arrest was linked to Mwale’s political ambitions, claiming he was a popular candidate challenging UDA’s candidate for the Trans Nzoia Senate seat.
Linda Mwananchi called for justice and demanded Mwale’s immediate release, warning against what it termed the use of arbitrary arrests to intimidate political leaders and their supporters.
“We demand justice and Obed’s immediate release. We condemn the use of arbitrary arrests and intimidation against our leaders and supporters,” the statement said.
The movement maintained that the arrest would not derail its political activities, vowing to continue mobilising against President William Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Despite this harassment, we will soldier on, more determined than ever to remove Ruto from office, reclaim our rights and freedoms, and restore the rule of law and constitutional order in our country,” Njoroge said.
