Azimio Condemns Gaucho Arrest, Twists Maina Njenga's Surrender

The Azimio la Umoja coalition on Wednesday, May 24 accused the Kenya Kwanza government of a political witchhunt in the arrests of Raila Odinga diehard Calvin Gaucho and former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga.

In a press conference at SMK Centre in Nairobi, DAP-K party leader, Eugene Wamalwa claimed that Gaucho was arrested following remarks made during the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference (NDC) at the Ngong Racecourse in Nairobi.

This is despite the remarks bordering on gender, targeted at Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Sabina Chege, and which led to Azimio's principal, Martha Karua, reprimanding him.

He also alleged that Njenga was arrested in relation to his support for Azimio leader Raila Odinga, to the point of attending the late Mukami's funeral in Njabini, Nyandarua County which was graced by top government officials, among them, President William Ruto.

Eugene Wamalwa speaking at the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference (NDC) at Ngong Racecourse on May 22, 2023. /THE ODM PARTY

“Gaucho was arrested after he made a statement at the Jubilee National Delegates Conference (NDC). He has been in custody since yesterday and we want to follow up to ensure he is released today.

"Maina Njenga just because he came out to support Raila Odinga, he went all the way to Njambini. They have arrested him and he is currently in Nakuru trying to get back his freedom,” said Wamalwa.

The former Defence CS also accused the Kenya Kwanza government of antagonizing the criminal justice system and misusing police officers.

“We want to say no to intimidation and police harassment. They said they would not criminalize the justice criminal system, that is exactly what they are doing and we want to urge the police to stop being misused by the Kenya Kwanza regime,” he added.

Gaucho was arrested by officers at the Central Police Station on Tuesday, May 23 where he had gone to ask about his phone.

The outspoken supporter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, according to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Director of Communications Phillip Etale, had his phone confiscated from a previous arrest prior to the Azimio protests in which he participated.

"Calvin Okoth aka Gaucho has been arrested by officers from Nairobi Area (County Hqs) at the Central Police Station where he had gone to inquire about his phone which was confiscated when he was arrested some time back," stated Etale.

Njenga had surrendered himself at the Nakuru Law Courts hours after he was exposed as a wanted man by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

DCI stated that Njenga was being sought after in relation to the recovery of two firearms and over 90 rolls of bhang, found at a home linked to him.