East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament, Florence Jematia Sergon, has been arrested.
The MP was picked up by detectives from her Langata home on Wednesday, February 2. The Legislator was being sought over what has been described as incitement to violence.
The MP had been quoted as threatening to buy guns for her supporters from Baringo County to fend off bandits who have been a threat to the region’s security.
She is currently being processed at the Nairobi Area police station.
Jematia had been summoned to record a statement after her sentiments were condemned by Kenyans on social media as well as area leaders.
Baringo County Commissioner Abdirizak Jaldesa stated that two other local politicians who were also present in the meeting had recorded statements.
“The MP has gone underground after we summoned her to appear before the committee. We have sufficient evidence to charge her with incitement to violence,” Jeldesa stated.
The region has been marred by frequent bandit attacks that have left scores of people injured and others dead.
“They (police officers) are properly safeguarded and even have helmets to protect themselves. We are tired of asking for protection,” Jematia had remarked during the meeting.
Her comments were also condemned by several politicians who urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to intervene.
“This is an EALA MP inviting citizens in Baringo to buy guns and ammunition. Hon. Jematia has stooped too low. I wish to caution leaders against seeking elective seats by making such reckless statements. Let’s work for peace,” West Pokot Senator and Leader of Majority in the Senate, Samuel Poghisio stated, as he castigated the MP.
Homa Bay Town MP, George Kaluma also condemned the incident, stating that the EALA MP had “taken the joke too far”.
NCIC Committee Vice-Chairperson, Wambui Nyutu called upon politicians to practice politics with principles and encourage political parties to discipline their straying members.
She further asked political players to sign the Political Decency & Peace Charter to enhance accountability.