Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged Inspector General (IG) of Police Hillary Mutyambai, to take action against a police officer who allegedly assaulted Governor Mike Sonko on Friday.
In a video doing rounds on social media, an officer in new police uniform was captured forcing his way to ostensibly engage Sonko in a fight at Voi airstrip, when a contingent of officers were trying to put the governor in handcuffs.
In a tweet on Saturday, Murkomen accused the officer of assault and asked Mutyambai to also charge him (the officer), as he prepares to take Sonko to court.
“IG Hillary Mutyambai I have seen you want to charge Mike Sonko with assault, but please don’t forget to charge that policeman in blue. The uniform only changed but the mindset is the same,” the Elgeyo Marakwet Senator posted.
Sonko is expected to be arraigned on Monday to face corruption related charges, in addition to others charges police have indicated they will prefer against him.
In a statement on Saturday, police spokesperson Charles Owino claimed the governor assaulted a senior police officer during his arrest, after he became 'unruly and violent'.
“During the arrest he became abusive, unruly and violent in an attempt to resist arrest hence obstructing police officers from the lawful execution of their duties. In the process, he assaulted and injured the senior police officer leading the team and damaged media equipment,” Owino said.
Police have been on the receiving end from a section of politicians for allegedly using unnecessary force to apprehend Sonko.