Police in Kenya have declared a sitting lawmaker “wanted” for his role in a
fracas at a church service over the weekend.
Security heads in the central Muranga county were looking to arrest Kiharu
MP Ndindi Nyoro who has been advised by the county’s criminal investigations outfit
to surrender in his own interest.
According to an official, Nyoro committed a range of criminal offences on
Sunday when he briefly disrupted worship at the Gitui Catholic church located
in his constituency.
Authorities said some of the charges they have line up for the MP include
creating a public nuisance, assaulting police officers and resisting lawful
arrest.
In a case of local-level political squabble, the wanted MP created a scene
at a church service as he attempted to prevent an opponent he accused of
undermining him from speaking.
His actions led to a 10-minute hold up in proceedings following which the
priest in charge and others were able to restore order. Scuffles also broke out
between rival factions over the incident.
Police attempt to arrest him at the church premises was unsuccessful
because his supporters had shielded him.
On Monday, Muranga Catholic Bishop James Wainaina announced a ban on
politicians attending fundraisings ceremonies in two counties – Muranga and
Kirinyaga.
The order which will be in place until further notice to reduce the
incidence of politicians using the pulpit to settle their scores, the Bishop
said. He also sternly condemned the incident and said the Church was demanding
an apology.
