This archive report was first published on 22 October 2021.
October 19, 2021, marked the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Lamu Senator Anwar Loitiptip. The senator, an ally of Deputy President William Ruto, was accused of assault by fellow politician Francis Mugo.
Mugo, who is also vying for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, claimed that Loitiptip attempted to dip him into the Indian Ocean waters after the Deputy President left Lamu. He further alleged that the senator grabbed his mobile phone and destroyed his eyeglasses.
“He also injured me in the right hand and left eye,” Mugo said, recounting the incident.
Loitiptip, however, denied the allegations, stating that Mugo was seeking sympathy. “That man is just looking for sympathy and tarnish my name, but I will not pay attention to him. You can imagine how unfair it is for someone to come and gate-crash my function, then try to frame me,” he said.
Loitiptip and Mugo are both vying for the UDA ticket in the upcoming elections. The incident has sparked renewed debate about the senator's behavior and his suitability for public office.
