Trans Nzoia County Assembly Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale Mahanga has been arrested over allegations that he was involved in a plan to obstruct President William Ruto’s motorcade during the Head of State’s visit to Kitale last month.
The Matisi Ward MCA was arrested on Monday, November 2, and detained at Kapenguria Police Station ahead of an expected court appearance on Tuesday, November 3.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya confirmed the arrest, saying Mwale was facing accusations linked to the October 16 confrontation involving Ruto’s motorcade and a convoy associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement.
“Obed Mwale has been locked up in a cell, waiting for arraignment in court tomorrow at 9am. Some of the charges are obstructing Ruto’s motorcade while in Kitale,” Natembeya said.
The governor further alleged that the MCA had sponsored groups of individuals to disrupt Kenya Kwanza political rallies in Trans Nzoia County.
Why MCA Obed Mwale Was Arrested Over Ruto’s Kitale Visit
Mwale’s arrest follows the October 16 incident in Kitale, where President Ruto was conducting a development tour that included the launch of several projects.
As the President’s motorcade departed the town, Sifuna arrived with members of the Linda Mwananchi brigade. The two convoys were captured passing each other near the Kitale flyover.
Following Ruto’s departure, Sifuna and Natembeya addressed their supporters before police officers moved in to disperse the gathering using tear gas.
According to the National Police Service, the confrontation left two police officers injured and two government vehicles damaged.
Police subsequently announced that investigations had been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. They also warned that anyone found responsible would face legal action.
However, the police statement did not identify Mwale or publicly connect him to the reported injuries and property damage.
Linda Mwananchi Leaders React to Obed Mwale’s Arrest
The arrest has attracted criticism from leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, some of whom have described the action as political persecution.
Mwale is expected to receive legal representation from volunteer lawyers allied to the movement.
Footage from Kapenguria Police Station showed supporters and members of his legal team gathering at the facility following news of his detention.
His arrest comes amid growing political disagreements between Governor Natembeya and the national government over development projects and political influence in Trans Nzoia.
Natembeya and Ruto’s Political Disagreement Over Kitale Projects
The arrest has also brought renewed attention to the political differences between Natembeya and President Ruto.
One of their major disagreements concerns the Masinde Muliro Market project in Kitale, whose reported cost stands at Sh821 million.
Natembeya has questioned the national government’s role and claims surrounding the project, while Ruto has defended his administration’s intervention in completing the facility.
The governor has also previously raised concerns over the withdrawal of his security detail, adding to the public disagreements between the two leaders.
What Happens Next in the Case Against Obed Mwale?
Mwale was expected to appear in court on Tuesday, November 3, where the specific charges against him would be presented.
The court proceedings are expected to provide further details about the allegations and the evidence investigators intend to rely on.
For now, the allegations against the MCA remain unproven, and his arrest does not amount to a finding of guilt.
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