The Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) has raised alarm following the arrest of Trans Nzoia County Assembly Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale, accusing security officers of targeting its leaders in what it describes as politically motivated intimidation.
In a statement issued by its Head of Communication, Pauline Njoroge, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the party said armed police officers picked up Mwale in Kitale on Monday, November 2, before transferring him to Kapenguria Police Station in neighbouring West Pokot County.
Mwale, who represents Matisi Ward in the Trans Nzoia County Assembly, is accused by police of funding criminal activities and organising groups involved in disrupting political activities in the county, according to the statement.
Linda Mwananchi dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, arguing that the arrest was intended to intimidate and silence the MCA because of his political association and opposition activities.
“We strongly condemn the arrest of Trans Nzoia County Assembly Deputy Speaker, Matisi Ward MCA and Linda Mwananchi Senate aspirant for Trans Nzoia County, Hon. Obed Mwale, who was picked up by armed police officers in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, yesterday and later produced at Kapenguria Police Station in West Pokot County,” Linda Mwananchi Movement stated.
“According to the police, he is accused of funding criminal activities and organising goons. We reject these allegations as politically motivated and intended to intimidate and silence Obed, a very popular candidate who is challenging UDA’s Allan Chesang.”
The movement demanded his immediate release, insisting that its leaders should not be subjected to harassment for expressing their political views or working with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
It further claimed that Mwale’s arrest was part of a growing pattern of intimidation targeting leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi in the county.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of political tension in Kitale following an incident involving President William Ruto’s motorcade and a convoy carrying Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and members of the Linda Mwananchi movement on October 16.
Ruto had been in Kitale to preside over the launch of development projects when his motorcade and Sifuna’s convoy encountered each other near the Kitale flyover.
After the President left the area, Sifuna and Governor Natembeya addressed supporters before police officers moved in and dispersed the gathering using tear gas.
The National Police Service subsequently confirmed that two police officers had been injured and two government vehicles damaged during the confrontation.
In a statement issued after the incident, police said investigations had been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.
The police also warned that individuals found engaging in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings would face action in accordance with the law. However, the NPS statement did not name Mwale or identify the politicians it was investigating.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also confirmed Mwale’s detention, saying the MCA was being held at Kapenguria Police Station ahead of an expected court appearance.
Natembeya linked the accusations against Mwale to the October 16 incident, including an alleged plan to obstruct the President’s motorcade during his Kitale visit.
The governor also said the MCA faced accusations of sponsoring groups involved in disrupting Kenya Kwanza political rallies in Trans Nzoia.
Mwale’s arrest comes amid an increasingly public political confrontation between Natembeya and the national government, particularly President Ruto’s administration.
The governor has been vocal in criticising the government, with disagreements emerging over development projects, political influence in the county and the withdrawal of his security detail.
In October, Linda Mwananchi challenged the Council of Governors to speak out over what it described as threats and intimidation facing Natembeya following changes to his security arrangements.
The dispute has also involved disagreements over the Ksh821 million Masinde Muliro Market project in Kitale, with competing claims over its implementation and ownership.
Linda Mwananchi has increasingly positioned itself as a political force ahead of the 2027 General Election. The movement recently unveiled a proposed national secretariat, with Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi named as its proposed chairperson and Natembeya designated to lead its presidential campaign structure.
Despite the arrest, the movement vowed not to abandon its political activities, saying it would continue mobilising supporters and challenging the government.
In her statement, Njoroge said the movement would soldier on in its quest to remove President Ruto from office, reclaim what it considers citizens’ rights and freedoms, and restore the rule of law.
The movement demanded justice for Mwale and called for his immediate release, maintaining that political differences should not be used to justify intimidation or unlawful arrests.
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