Premium
Defiant Ng’eno says he stands by his words and will not apologise
Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno is pictured with his supporters on Chebunyo-Dikirr road, on his way back home from the Nakuru Central Police Station cells, on September 11, 2020.
What you need to know:
- Mr Ng’eno said Kenyans must not allow the country to be turned into a police State.
- Police lobbed teargas canisters at the MP and his supporters at Dikirr trading centre forcing them to flee.
- Mr Ng’eno was hit on the lips by a canister as he walked to his home.
A day after being released from police custody, Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Nge’no was unrepentant, saying he would stand by his recent statements, interpreted as incitement.
He was released on a Sh1 million bond on Thursday.
Mr Ng’eno, an outspoken Kanu lawmaker, said he would not apologise to President Uhuru Kenyatta and former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta.
“The President must choose which side of history he wants to be at the end of his tenure,” said Mr Ng’eno in an interview with the Saturday Nation after a procession of his supporters was broken up by police officers.
Mr Ng’eno said Kenyans must not allow the country to be turned into a police State.
“We must protect the Constitution, the rule of law, the right to association and the freedom to choose what is right and wrong. We should not allow the democratic gains and ideals under the constitution to be rolled back,” he added.
The lawmaker said respect is two-way and the President “must respect others for him to earn the respect...and he must allow divergent views on various issues to prevail”.
Alleged incitement
“I was arrested, locked up and charged in court over alleged incitement. I have spent three days in police cells. I have nothing to apologise for,” Mr Ng’eno said.
“While I was away, I understand there are people who apologised on my behalf... I would not apologise on this one.”
Police lobbed teargas canisters at the MP and his supporters at Dikirr trading centre forcing them to flee. Mr Ng’eno was hit on the lips by a canister as he walked to his home.
A policeman attacked NTV journalist Winny Chepkemoi demanding to know why she was recording the procession.
The journalist was recording the event live and the newsfeed ran the entire time he beat her at Chebaraa trading centre. The policeman slapped and hit the journalist as she shielded herself demanding to be told why she was being attacked.
“You can do what you want...it does not matter if you are a journalist. You should not take pictures here,” the officer said.
Journalist injured
She was injured on the face and left arm.
Mr Ng’eno condemned the incident, saying it was an affront to the freedom of the press. The MP’s supporters also criticised the police action.
“It is unfortunate that the people were dispersed with teargas yet they were not a threat to peace,” Mr Ng’eno said.
“We will be patient with this but we shall carry the day in the long run. All this will come to an end at one stage or the other. In the meantime, we will soldier on.”
Police officers in four vehicles intercepted the MP at Chebaraa trading centre around 3pm and sandwiched his car as his supporters in hundreds of motorcycles followed.
“Why are you harassing innocent and harmless people in a peaceful procession? What have they done to warrant beating?” Mr Ng’eno asked.
“You are here to keep the peace and not to harass people. We are not in a political rally. I am merely going home.”
After a 10 minute standoff, the officers cleared the road and allowed the residents to escort the lawmaker home.
The MP alighted from his vehicle in Kapolecho and walked with his supporters the rest of the journey.
