Tana River leaders want Fafi MP arrested over incitement to violence against governor

NAIROBI—Section of leaders from Tana River county now want the director of criminal investigations, George Kinoti and officers from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to arrest Fafi legislator, Abdikarim Osman Mohamed over what they termed as inciting remarks.

This follows a video clip that has since gone viral where the legislator is heard urging his constituents to attack the Tana river governor, Dhadho Godhana should he show up to commission projects anywhere near a three mile strip of land that has been the source of a boundary dispute between the two counties.

The legislator was speaking in Nanighi, one of the disputed areas on Monday in the company of leaders, including the Garissa deputy governor Abdi Dagane.

While responding to the remarks, Tana River governor Dhadho Godhana termed the remarks reckless.

“The incitement and reckless remarks made by a section of political leaders as captured in the video clip going around on social media depict serious immaturity and don’t befit the stature of office they hold,” Godhana said.

Subsequently, speaking on Tuesday in Hola town, a section of leaders and elders led by Bura legislator Ali Wario urged the authorities to take action to prevent propagation of hateful remarks by the Fafi counterpart.

“I am calling on the interior cabinet secretary Dr. Fred Mataing’i to take action against him because such remarks are very unacceptable and they are inciting to peaceful communities in Tana River and Garissa,” Wario said.

Fafi MP responded to the calls for his arrest, saying it was his role to protect and represent his people.

“As the Fafi MP, it is my cardinal responsibility to represent my people at all times especially on issues infringing on their rights,” Abdikarim said in a post to his Facebook page on Monday evening.

The boundary between the two counties has long been disputed with a section of Garissa leaders insisting that the boundary is located along River Tana while the latter maintains that the border is located three miles away.

However, tensions were flared up in September after governor Godhana commissioned a ward administration office, early childhood development centers and classrooms in disputed areas that include: Mansabubu,Nanighi , Abalitiro and Masalani.

Additional report: Baraka FM.