MACHAKOS – Tensions ran high at the Machakos Law Courts on Wednesday when a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) found himself at the center of a dramatic arrest, resulting in a broken leg. Boniface Maeke, representing Kalama Ward, had gone to the court in a show of solidarity with his colleague, Douglas Musyoka of Masii/Vyulya, who had been apprehended the previous day on allegations of violating county building regulations.
The unfolding events took a violent turn as Maeke was singled out from the group of assembled MCAs outside the court premises. Witnesses reported that over six men, presumably from the county inspectorate, forcefully apprehended him. Despite their attempts to whisk him away in county vehicles, Maeke vehemently resisted, leading to a shocking incident that left the MCA with a broken ankle.
The initial reason for Musyoka’s arrest on Tuesday had been accusations regarding the construction of his homestead in Machakos, which allegedly did not comply with county government regulations. Maeke’s decision to stand in solidarity with Musyoka ultimately led to the unexpected and violent confrontation outside the law courts.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the arrest unfolded, with tension escalating rapidly. Maeke’s attempts to resist were met with force, resulting in the unfortunate injury that left him with a broken leg. Concerned colleagues and onlookers watched in disbelief as the situation spiraled out of control.
Following the dramatic arrest, Maeke was eventually escorted to the police station by the Machakos Officer Commanding Station (OCS). There, he recorded a statement detailing the events that transpired. Subsequently, he was taken to the hospital for medical attention, where it was confirmed that he had suffered a broken ankle as a result of the incident.
The sequence of events has ignited a wave of concern and criticism, with various quarters questioning the use of force during the arrest. Calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding both Musyoka and Maeke’s arrests are gaining momentum, as local residents and political figures express their dismay at the use of such aggressive tactics.
Machakos County officials have yet to release an official statement on the matter, leaving the public eagerly awaiting clarification on the actions taken by the county inspectorate and the subsequent injuries sustained by the MCA.
As the community awaits further developments, the incident at Machakos Law Courts serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between law enforcement and citizen rights, prompting discussions on the need for transparency and accountability within county governance.