West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo’s security detail has been withdrawn following a Wednesday evening incident where he stormed a roadblock and ordered police to free a boda boda rider who had been arrested by the police officers who were manning the roadblock. The security team were withdrawn this morning.
Speaking to the press, West Pokot County commandant Mathews Kuto said the Governor’s security teams at his home and those assigned to him have been withdrawn. Kuto said police officers are investigating the incident. There is an air of tension in Makutano town after residents learned that the security personnel had been withdrawn.
The residents led by Nominated Member of County Assembly Elijah Kaseuseu said they are fearing that their Governor might be arrested. Kaseuseu said that is no law that the West Pokot Governor violated but he was protecting the rights of innocent Kenyans who are being exploited by police officers. He called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi and inspector of police Joseph Boinnet to respect elected leaders.
The angry Governor on Wednesday evening threw away metal spiked strips stationed at the Safari park hotel and Chepareria town saying the roadblocks are illegal and blamed police officers for harassing motorists. At the Safari Park hotel roadblock, Governor Lonyangapuo found the motorist who was transporting onions from Ortum to Makutano arrested and handcuffed on his motorcycle. He ordered the police officer to immediately release Leonard Powon.