Kakamega Senator Malala, former CS Echesa arrested in Matungu killings probe

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and the MCA for Mayoni ward in Matungu constituency, Kakamega County Libinus Oduor have been arrested by DCI officers in connection with the recent killings in the area. Kakamega County CID boss John Onyango has confirmed the arrests. Malala was driven to Kisumu Central Police Station.

Former Sports CS Rashid Echesa was also arrested and taken in for questioning at the Kakamega Police Station around the same time. Echesa had just attended a political meeting in former Senator Boni Khalwale’s backyard in Malinya, Ikolomani, where Deputy President William Ruto and other leaders were attendees.

The turn of events comes after Interior CS Fred Matiang’i announced a security operation in the area on Thursday and deployment of General Service Unit (GSU) troops was to handle the recent deterioration of security in the region.

During his visit to the region, he announced that the government will utilize every resource at its disposal to find a permanent solution to the sad state of affairs following the insecurity, especially in Matungu and Khwisero sub-counties.

Speaking during his one-day security tour of the area on Thursday, Dr. Matiang’i sent a stern warning to the perpetrators that none of them will escape justice and urged them to voluntarily surrender to the police before they are smoked out and arrested.

The CS, in consultation with the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, also announced the delocalization of police officers in line with the new police reforms. This is in order to reduce familiarization and increase efficacy in their discharge of duty throughout the country. He said the move will begin with the Western Region with immediate effect.