Police Hunt for Sakaja After Senate Issues Arrest Order

Heavy police presence outside Sakaja's Office

Police have launched a search for Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja following an arrest order issued by a Senate watchdog committee over contempt of Parliament.

Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed on Monday that officers had been deployed to enforce the directive and ensure the governor is presented before the Senate.

A contingent of police officers camped outside Sakaja’s office after receiving intelligence that he could be within the premises, having failed to locate him earlier in the day.

According to Mohamud, the governor had been informed through his chief of staff that he should present himself before the Senate but had not complied.

“His chief of staff was contacted and informed that the only honourable thing he could do was to go to the Senate, but he has failed to present himself. We will look for him and do the needful. It is the dignity of the office that he presents himself,” Mohamud said.

He added that police would not tolerate defiance of lawful orders, stressing their obligation to enforce the Senate’s directive.

“There is no need for any further impunity. We need him to comply and present himself before we get him. As law enforcement officers, it is our duty to take him before the Senate, and that we shall do without fear or favour,” he said.

Mohamud further revealed that efforts to trace the governor earlier had been unsuccessful, but fresh intelligence prompted officers to mount the operation.

“We have been looking for him, and we never got him, but we received information that he might be around. That is why we are here this evening. The work is not finished because we have not taken him to the Senate, but that we will do. We do not tolerate impunity. We have a country to protect,” he added.

The move follows a decision by the Senate watchdog committee to cite Sakaja for contempt after he failed to appear before it as required.

Commander Mohamud maintained that the operation is aimed at upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the integrity of public office, warning that failure to comply would attract further action.

More to follow…