Court restores security detail of Kandara MP Alice Wahome

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Court ruled the move by IG was illegal.

He added that there was no evidence the MP committed any crime.

High Court has ordered the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to restore the security detail of Kandara Member of Parliament Alice Wahome.

Justice James Makau ruled that there was no evidence that the MP had committed any crime to warrant the withdrawal of her security officers nor had she been informed of any investigation being conducted against her

“It was illegal for the Inspector General to withdraw the Petitioner’s bodyguards without informing her the reason for the move,” the judge ruled. 

Justice Makau added that the mere allegation that the MP committed an electoral offence by harassing an election official, without more explanation, was not sufficient. 

In her application, the MP said the withdrawal was made following a communication by the police on 20th January 2020 that they will not provide security to VIPs who are involved or suspected to be involved in crime until they are cleared by court. 

She also argues that the move was meant to intimidate her to change her stand on bad governance and her political beliefs and affiliation.

Through lawyer Stephen Gitonga, the MP further states that the decision is discriminatory in nature as all other MPs continue enjoying security provided by the National Police Service.

Wahome told the court that she has been unable to discharge her functions to the people of Kandara and the country at large effectively, as a result of the withdrawal of her security. 

Through Director of Operations Henry Borma, the IG said following the rise of reports implicating some VIPs and state officers in crime incidences and unlawful conduct, they reconsidered the privileges accorded to some VIPs.

The officer said Wahome committed an electoral offence by harassing an election officer, who was performing his official duties thereby causing a breach of peace.