Azimio MP David Pkosing Comes To Defence Of 7 Suspected Bandits

Pokot South Member of Parliament David Pkosing denied enabling bandit activities in the North Rift after he was interrogated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives.

Speaking moments after being freed from the DCI headquarters where he was taken to after he was arrested on Thursday, February 16, the lawmaker also denied funding the coordinated criminal activities.

Pkosing, elected on Kenya Union Party (KUP), an affiliate of Azimio la Umoja, further defended his actions by posting bond for seven Pokot boys who were arrested on suspicion of being involved in banditry crimes.

Officers outside the entrance of the DCI headquarters. /FILE

He said he personally did not know them and rescued them because he considered them innocent. According to him, the arrested boys were the owners of the over 200 heads of cattle that had been shot by bandits.

“I am shocked that I am being arrested for posting bond for young boys labelled as criminals. I even don’t know their names, they’re innocent boys. I have even never met them. What I know is that they’re innocent boys, and that is why the court had seen it fit to release them on bond.

"I am a peaceful person and served in the Peace and Justice Commission before becoming an MP. Everyone is aware of that. And for the record, I have never recorded a police statement before," Pkosing stated.

His lawyer Danstan Omari further denied reports that Pkosing owned a mysterious white helicopter which reportedly lands in bandits' hideouts, supplying them with weapons.

"My client was, in a very humiliating manner, picked from the precincts of his offices, and dragged to the DCI on allegations that he is the mastermind of the banditry in North Rift Valley.

"He has given his version of the story. He has never owned a white chopper, and it is all over that the alleged chopper that is supposed to be funding or transporting the bandits is white. The MP has accounted for all the days since this issue started, and that is why he has been released to go home. He’s not under any police custody," Omari clarified.

Omari further lamented that a senior government official had warned Pkosing via text of his looming arrest at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC), one that he termed as a political witch hunt for his association with Azimio la Umoja.

The arrest came a day before the official commencement of the joint operation between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers and Kenya Police Service officers as ordered by President William Ruto on Monday, February 13.

In addition, he also announced a three-day voluntary disarmament exercise starting February 14 which will allow for the surrender of guns with no repercussions.

President William Ruto speaking at State House, Nakuru on February 13, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO