MP David Pkosing accused of funding bandits

Pokot South MP David Pkosing has decried victimization in the fight against banditry.

The embattled lawmaker, who was arrested on Thursday over allegations of funding bandits in the North Rift region has denied the claims of financing banditry.

Speaking at the DCI Headquarters, Pkosing claimed that his arrest has hallmarks of malice written all over.

“Why am I the only leader being arrested…There were several leaders who are also suspected of being involved…why only me?” he said.

The MP further clarified that the youths he is alleged to have bailed out were falsely accused of being involved in banditry and he only stepped in to help as a leader.

The suspects had been arraigned before a Kitale Court over their alleged involvement in banditry.

“I do not see where I have broken any law. They are victims, and the court ordered for their release and I only helped them by virtue of being a leader, now I have been tagged a criminal,” he said 

Pkosing is further accused of being the owner of a white chapter that  Chopper that George Natembeya, Governor Trans Nzoia,  mentioned was being used to aid Bandits in the movement of firearms and ammunition 

His lawyer, Danstan Omari has condemned the manner in which the MP was handled by the police.

“My client was in a very humiliating manner picked from his office, dragged to the DCI on allegations that he is the mastermind of the banditry in the North of the Rift Valley,” the lawyer said.

Insecurity has been on the rise in North Rift with bandits killing both civilians and police officers. So far 100 civilians and 16 police officers have been killed by the bandits in the region within the last six months according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

President William Ruto on Monday ordered a joint security exercise between the National Police Service and the Kenya Defence Forces against banditry in the troubled region that includes Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu and Laikipia.

KDF Deployed to Fight Bandits in North