This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
On Friday, June 12, 2020, a group of police officers cordoned off the home of Moses Wetangula, the Ford Kenya Party Leader, in Namuyemba Village, Bungoma Town.
The reason behind the police presence remained unclear, but sources indicated that orders 'from above' had been issued for Wetangula's arrest over allegations of holding a political gathering in contravention of COVID-19 containment measures.
Wetangula, who had been temporarily ousted as Ford Kenya Party Leader, was visiting Bungoma Town accompanied by several politicians, including Benjamin Washiali, Didmus Barasa, Ferdinand Wanyonyi, Chris Wamalwa, Mwambu Mabonga, and Catherine Wambilianga.
As the police waited outside his home, Wetangula's motorcade was later teargassed at Kamukuywa area in Kimilili Town, sparking concerns that the senator and ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi were being targeted by the State.
Both leaders had refused to sign co-operation agreements with Jubilee Party, as pushed for by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Devolution minister Eugene Wamalwa.