Police seek seven days to detain Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo pending investigations over incitement allegations
Korogocho Member of County Assembly (MCA) Absalom Odhiambo has been arraigned today after his arrest yesterday over incitement allegations.
The Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has asked the court to grant them seven days to detain the MCA, so as to complete investigations into the matter.
“This court be pleased to issue custodial orders that Odhiambo be detained for seven days from today at Central Police Station to allow officer Mwita and an investigator with DCI and any another officer who may be appointed and authorized by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), complete investigations on a case of incitement to violence and disobedience of the law,” the affidavit filed in court reads in part.
The officer wants to conduct a further probe on allegations that the MCA uttered words that are likely to cause violence or destabilise the nation.
The MCA is alleged to have uttered the alleged inciting words during a public address at the Kamukunji grounds on Monday, January 23.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the MCA has a habit of causing chaos in the nation through his followers both through public addresses and social media.
“The applicant advanced investigations have revealed that the respondent is a habitual character who wants to cause havoc of the Nation through his followers both from public address and social media,” court was told.
DCI argue that they need seven days to retrieve any possible inciting messages from his phone and record statements for the state to enhance evidence for the prosecution. The court was further told that he is a flight risk.
“The investigator estimates that it will take 7 days to complete investigations and forward the investigations file to the ODPP for decision to charge,” reads the application.
However, defense lawyers led by Danstan Omari opposed the request, saying that Odhiambo is not a flight risk and that his prosecution is political.
The MCA will remain in police custody as court will deliver its ruling tomorrow.
