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Police Sought Interpol's Help in
Nakitare Hunt, but he is still within
The Nation (Nairobi)
11 March 2008
George Omonso, Jillo Kadida and Kennedy Lumwamu
Nairobi
Police in Kitale want Interpol to help in the manhunt of former
Saboti MP Davis Nakitare who is said to have fled the country.
This follows a warrant of arrest for Mr Nakitare issued two weeks
ago after 205 men were rounded up at his farm in Kwanza, 17
kilometres from Kitale town, for allegedly taking part in illegal
military training.
Last week, Mr Nakitare's aide told journalists in Kitale that the
former MP was outside the country and was not expected back soon.
But in a new turn of events, Mr Nakitare Monday expressed his
willingness to surrender himself to court.
Through his lawyer David Biketi, the former legislator told the
High Court that he is willing to turn himself in because his
liberty was at stake.
He further asked the court to give him anticipatory bail.
Mr Nakitare said he was still in the country contrary to reports
that he has fled the country.
He maintains that those who were arrested by the police on his
farm are internally displaced people and some of his workers.
In his suit papers, the former legislator expressed fears that his
rights and freedom under the Constitution are being and are likely
to continue being contravened.
Mr Nakitare further requested the court to give him a specific day
on which he should appear before police in company of his advocate.
However, the prosecution which was present in court during the
hearing of the case, sought for time to consult the
Attorney-General on the matter.
Mr Justice Jacktone Boma Ojwang said the matter touches on serious
issues and the court needs to hear the case.
He ordered all the parties to come for hearing on March 12.
Apart from the 205 taken to court after being arrested at
Nakitare's farm, it is believed that another group of 800 might
have escaped moments before the crackdown, taking with them
military uniform and weapons.
"We shall not rest until we ensure that the former MP faces the
law," Trans Nzoia district criminal investigation officer Issa
Mohammed said.
Receiving threats
Earlier, police officers based at Kitale Police Station told
journalists that those involved in the arrest of the group at the
former MP's farm were receiving threats from politicians from
Trans Nzoia and Bungoma.
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