Laikipia North MP Matthew Lempurkel has been arrested after he threatened his nominated colleague Sarah Korere, a day after the two clashed in Office of the President at Harambee House.
He was last night being held at Kileleshwa Police Station in Nairobi.
Earlier yesterday, a threatening short text message written by the Laikipia North MP to Korere after the altercation, was read out to journalists by Nairobi Woman Representative Rachel Shebesh at a Press briefing attended by more than 10 MPs.
"Withdraw this case or you die, enda ukashindane na wanawake, achana na politics (go and compete with your fellow women, leave politics)," reads the text in part.
"This is not an idle threat, as the text was written even after the attacker knew that the matter had gone out to the public. Korere needs extra security," said Ms Shebesh.
The MPs, led by Naomi Shabaan (Taveta) and Johnson Sakaja (nominated), condemned the assault on Ms Korere by Mr Lempurkel. The two leaders from Laikipia County were on Monday thrown out of Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery's office at Harambee House after they were involved in a physical fight.
They were part of a delegation waiting to see Nkaissery when they clashed.
"We want CS Nkaissery and the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to ensure Korere receives justice," said Shabaan. Korere was nominated on a Jubilee ticket while Lempurkel was elected on ODM ticket. Ms Korere is seeking to unseat Lempurkel, which has seen the two engage in fierce political rivalry. "Women leaders need to be respected, given their space. We will not tolerate anyone who goes out to intimidate women. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and political parties should not clear people who have no respect for women," said Sabina Chege (Murang'a County). Millie Odhiambo (Mbita) said they plan to petition the National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi to take disciplinary action against Lempurkel.
"There is no way a person can physically assault another and go scot-free, even if they are Members of Parliament," warned Odhiambo.
Sakaja, who is also the chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities, demanded that Lempurkel should be brought to book. Other MPs present were Maison Leshomo (Samburu), Joyce Lay (Taita Taveta), Mary Njuguna (Nakuru) Regina Ndambuki (Kilome) and Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South). And the police have asked two MPs who fought at Harambee House to present medical reports before any charges can be preferred.
Central Police Station DCI head Zack Nangulu said they are investigating the matter but asked the complainants to present their P3 forms and witnesses for action.
"Let them bring the P3 forms and their witnesses to enable us take action. We will forward the file to the DPP for advice depending on what is in the reports," said Nangulu.
No comments:
Post a Comment