Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa has once again distanced himself from the ongoing violent killings and attacks in Matungu constituency, Kakamega county.
This comes a few weeks after he was arrested, detained and later released over possible involvement in the killings, and has since moved to court against Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiangi and Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai over wrongful detention.
Speaking on Monday at Radio Maisha's 'Bunge la Maisha', Echesa admitted visiting the troubled region moments to his arrest but pointed out that his visit was actually to help calm the situation and not to incite residents as it was claimed by the police.
The former CS said that his visit saw him engage locals who were growing hostile against the police to cooperate with the law enforcers and also attended a security meeting with area police bosses in a bid to ensure that sanity returns.
"Nilipoona mambo yamezidi nikaenda huko kuweka vikao na wananchi ambao sasa walikuwa wanasema hawataki wale askari ambao wametumwa pale nikaawaambia wacooperate na polisi. Pia tulikuwa na meeting na security agencies. (I visited the region when the killings intensified and held talks with locals who were at the time rejecting the police officers deployed in the area. I also attended meetings with state agencies,)" Echesa said.
He also noted that his meeting was followed by Matangi's phone call, and later a visit to the area, after which the CS said that he had identified politicians financing the violence.
Echesa added that he was days later summoned by intelligence officers, and arrested, after which police officers holding him changed direction to Nandi Hills Police Station, though he had initially been told that he was being taken to Vihiga.
"Nilipigiwa simu na intelligence wakaniuliza eti niko na uhusiano gani na familia moja ambayo ilifiwa. Kisha nikashikwa eti napelekwa Vihiga lakini nikapelekwa Nandi Hills. (I was called by intelligence officers and asked about my relationship with one of the affected families. I was then taken to Nandi Hills police station though I had been told I was being taken to Vihiga)," he added.
Echesa has arrested alongside area Senator Cleopa Malala and two other local politicians.