Trans Nzoia Deputy Speaker Arrested Over Alleged Plot to Block Ruto’s Motorcade

Trans Nzoia Deputy Speaker Arrested Over Alleged Plot to Block Ruto’s Motorcade

Trans Nzoia County Deputy Speaker Mwale Obed Mahanga was reportedly arrested on Monday, November 3, over allegations that he was involved in a plot to obstruct President William Ruto’s motorcade during the Head of State’s visit to Kitale on Friday, October 16.

The arrest was confirmed by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who said Mahanga was being held at Kapenguria Police Station ahead of his scheduled court appearance.

The deputy speaker, who also represents Matisi Ward in the county assembly, is facing allegations linked to the incident involving the President’s motorcade. However, the allegations had not been established in court at the time of reporting.

“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 stated.

Natembeya Confirms Arrest as Lawyers Arrive

According to the governor, Mahanga is also accused of sponsoring groups allegedly involved in disrupting Kenya Kwanza rallies in Trans Nzoia County.

The claims add to the political tensions in the region, where Natembeya has been involved in a public dispute with President Ruto and leaders allied to the ruling coalition.

Footage published by Kenyans.co.ke showed supporters and members of Mahanga’s legal team gathering at the police station following his arrest. The group reportedly sought to secure his release as preparations for his court appearance continued.

Mahanga is expected to be represented by volunteer lawyers associated with the Linda Mwananchi political movement.

Leaders allied to the movement have also taken to social media to condemn the arrest, with some describing it as a political witch hunt ahead of the 2027 General Election. Those claims reflect their position on the matter and do not establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

What Happened During Ruto’s Kitale Visit?

The allegations relate to events on Friday, October 16, when President Ruto’s motorcade and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s convoy encountered each other at the Kitale flyover in Trans Nzoia County.

Ruto was leaving Kitale after launching development projects, including a student village and medical training facilities. At the same time, Sifuna arrived in the area with members of the Linda Mwananchi brigade.

Following the President’s departure, Sifuna and Natembeya addressed their supporters before police dispersed the gathering using tear gas.

Reports indicated that two police officers were injured and two government vehicles damaged during the incident.

The police response and the reported damage added to concerns about political gatherings in the county, particularly as political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general election.

It remains important to distinguish the reported events surrounding the gathering from the specific allegations against Mahanga, which will be subject to the legal process.

Arrest Comes Amid Natembeya-Ruto Political Tensions

Mahanga’s arrest comes amid an ongoing political disagreement between Natembeya and President Ruto.

One issue that has featured in the dispute is the ownership of the KSh821 million Masinde Muliro Market project. The governor has also previously raised concerns over the withdrawal of his security detail.

The disagreements have contributed to heightened political exchanges between the governor and leaders allied to the national government.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, the arrest is likely to draw further attention from political leaders and supporters, particularly those associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.

For now, the central issue remains the case against Mahanga and the allegations surrounding the events in Kitale. His scheduled court appearance is expected to provide an opportunity for the charges to be formally presented and addressed through the judicial process.

The allegations remain unproven unless established in court.

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Trans Nzoia Deputy Speaker Arrested Over Alleged Plot to Block Ruto’s Motorcade