Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has been released from police custody.
His release came shortly after the Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji ordered immediate release of the senator and former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa.
The two were arrested on Friday over links to recent Matungu killings that have left 12 people dead and over 30 injured.
In a statement issued Sunday evening, the DPP said investigations into the matter are incomplete and evidence is insufficient, hence, the four; Echesa, Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, MP Justus Murunga and MCA Libinus Odour be released.
“After discussions with the Inspector General, it is clear that investigations are at an advanced stage but incomplete. The evidence so far gathered does not meet the requisite threshold. Consequently, I have directed the DCI through the IG to have the Matungu brutal killings thoroughly investigated and the resultant files submitted to my office for perusal and directions,” said the DPP.
However, Haji noted that the two and their co-accused are required to report to police on Monday.
Read:Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala Arrested By DCI Sleuths
Earlier, supporters of Malala stormed Kisumu Central Police Station to demand the senator’s immediate release.
Following chaotic scenes witnessed, police were forced to lob teargas to disperse the mob.
According to reports, the supporters, who started trickling in at the station at around 5 pm, carried food which they had prepared for the legislator.
Also Read:Former Sports CS Rashid Echesa Arrested In Connection With Matungu Killings
Earlier, senators led by Saiya Senator James Orengo condemned the arrests.
While speaking on Sunday at the station, where Malala was being detained, Orengo said they read ill motive in the arrest, adding that Malala had even raised the issue of Matungu insecurity at the senate and could not be the one behind the killings.
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He said police had no grounds to detain Malala for the entire weekend since Friday when he was arrested.
“This is not the first time this is happening to Senator Malala. During the resist movement he was charged with an offence almost related to treason and if you can remember, that thing did not go anywhere although he was detained for some period. We hope this is not a continued persecution of Senator Malala… But we are ready to fight anything they will bring against him…” said Orengo.
On his part, Migori Senator Ochilo Ayako said police ought to have done their investigations prior, instead of hounding the Senator into police cells adding that the arrest is political.
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“Somebody is trying to make a political statement. Senator Malala is not a flight risk… So arresting him in the manner it was done and detaining him in a police station is perhaps trying to misuse state power,” said Senator Ochilo.
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