Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma has hired two youths to seek justice for eight youths who were arrested following allegations of disrupting a public meeting held by Governor Kawira Mwangaza on September 17, 2023, at Makiri, Igembe South subcounty.
The detained youths were later transferred to Maua Law Courts Number 5 to face a range of charges, including unlawful assembly, animal slaughter, burning of mattresses, and assaulting police officers during the alleged disruption.
Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma, who was at the hearing of the court session on the matter, wasted no time in addressing the situation, so he called for an emergency meeting at Maua Stadium.
The meeting, attended by local leaders, community representatives, a Member of the County Assembly for Kiegoi Antubochiu Ward and residents of the area, aimed at ensuring a fair and impartial investigation into the incident.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting citizens’ rights while also acknowledging the gravity of the allegations made against the arrested individuals.
“We must strike a balance between maintaining order and respecting the rights of our citizens. The truth must be uncovered through a just legal process,” he said.
The accused were charged a cash bail of Sh100,000 and would remain in custody at Maua Police Station awaiting hearing on Friday, September 22, 2023.
He urged the Governor to respect Meru County leaders, including Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, Members of Parliament, Members of the County Assembly and other nominated leaders.
He said the focus of the county leadership should be creating job opportunities for the youth and not accusing them of issues they were not involved in.
The meeting also provided a platform for community leaders and concerned citizens to voice their concerns and seek clarity on the events leading to the arrests.
Many citizens urged for a thorough and unbiased investigation to determine the accuracy of the accusations.
By Kamanja Maeria and Jackline Mukami
