Mavoko Member of Parliament, Patrick Makau, was arrested on July 13 following his alleged involvement in the protests that took place in Mlolongo on Wednesday. Makau confirmed that he was taken into custody at 4:00 am from his residence in Karen and was subsequently brought to the Nairobi Area Traffic Police Headquarters near the Kenyatta National Hospital.
The protests in Mlolongo were part of the ongoing wave of demonstrations against the government's perceived inaction in addressing the increasing cost of living. The area of Mlolongo falls under the jurisdiction of the Mavoko Constituency, for which Makau is the elected representative.
Expressing his dismay at the arrest, Makau stated that he had not been informed about the reason for his detention. He is the first political leader to be apprehended in connection with the recent protests that have been posing challenges to Kenya's already struggling economy.
In the hours leading up to Makau's arrest, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had issued a stern warning, vowing to take decisive action against the organizers and financiers of the Wednesday protests.
Government-affiliated leaders have pointed fingers at the Azimio-led coalition, holding them responsible for the widespread chaos witnessed throughout the country during the protests.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria joined the discussion, accusing MP Makau of orchestrating the demonstrations in Mlolongo without providing evidence. He claimed that the protests were linked to the government's decision to evict illegal squatters from the East Africa Portland land in Athi River. Kuria further asserted that the government would proceed with its plan for the land, as it had been earmarked for the construction of Kenya's first cargo airport.
During the protests, demonstrators obstructed a section of the Nairobi Expressway and vandalized barriers, resulting in a complete halt of operations. Motorists were compelled to seek alternative routes while encountering incidents of stone-throwing by the protestors.
Clashes between the protestors and the police ensued, leading to widespread destruction and further escalation of tensions.
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