Third Kenya opposition figure arrested amid crackdown
NAIROBI: Kenyan police yesterday detained another key government critic over his alleged involvement in the recent mock inauguration of opposition leader Raila Odinga as the “people’s president”, the third such arrest within four days.
George Aladwa is accused of helping to organise the Jan 30 symbolic swearing-in in Nairobi in front of tens of thousands of supporters, in a fresh challenge to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s reelection last year.
Police said Aladwa, who was arrested at his home on Saturday morning, was also being questioned over his role in a shooting Wednesday at the home of Odinga’s running-mate, Kalonzo Musyoka.
“Aladwa is being investigated over what happened at Kalonzo’s home. He is also being questioned over the chaos in (Nairobi) where he mobilised youths,” police spokesman Charles Owino told AFP.
Kenyatta’s victory in a re-run vote in October has sparked deadly clashes and polarised the country.
The government has denounced Odinga for trying to “overthrow” Kenyatta, while the opposition claims the election process was rigged and the result illegitimate.
At least 92 people have died in recent months, with most protesters killed at the hands of security forces, according to rights groups.
Aladwa’s detention follows the separate arrests this week of opposition firebrand Miguna Miguna and of lawyer TJ Kajwang for their alleged key roles in Odinga’s swearing-in.
The government also blocked three major TV channels to stop them from broadcasting the Tuesday’s “swearing-in”. — AFP