Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi, who is linked to the People’s Renaissance Movement (PM) Party, has alleged political interference after a truck driver associated with the party was arrested and detained in Embu ahead of a political rally.
In a statement on Sunday, September 6, Amisi claimed that the driver, who was scheduled to conduct publicity ahead of a rally in Tharaka Nithi County, was arrested on Saturday and allegedly moved around Embu in unmarked vehicles, while the truck was confiscated.
According to the lawmaker, the driver was eventually released at 5am on Sunday, but the late release disrupted the planned publicity activities and affected preparations for the rally.
“The driver of a truck belonging to the PM party was arrested, moved around in unmarked cars within Embu, and the truck was confiscated,” Amisi stated.
“He has just been released now at 5am, too late to do the publicity it was meant to do yesterday within Tharaka Nithi,” he added.
Amisi condemned the alleged arrest and accused the government of using state machinery to frustrate political opponents.
“This misuse of power in countering political opponents has an end , and it is 2027,” he added.
He warned that what he described as the misuse of state power could become a major political issue ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The allegations come amid heightened political activity across the country, with opposition leaders accusing the government of using state agencies to disrupt their activities, including through arrests and alleged interference with political rallies.
Police had not issued a statement on the alleged arrest by the time of publication.
The incident also comes shortly after the National Police Service issued a fresh directive on political rallies, warning that it would strictly enforce provisions of the Public Order Act governing public meetings and processions, regardless of political affiliation or status.
In a statement issued on Saturday, September 5, the NPS reminded organizers of political events and rallies that they are required to notify the officer in charge of the relevant police station between three and 14 days before holding a rally or procession.
“It is important to remind all persons that, in accordance with Section 5(3)(a) and (c) of the Public Order Act, any person intending to convene a public meeting or procession must adhere to the following: Notify the regulating officer of that intention at least three days, and no more than fourteen days, before the proposed date of the event,” the statement read.
The notification is required to identify the organizer, provide their physical address and state the proposed location of the meeting or the route of the procession.
