This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
On Friday, Deputy President William Ruto visited Nandi County, accompanied by Senator Samson Cherargei, who was released on a personal bond from police detention just days prior. The visit was seen as a show of solidarity with the embattled senator.
Senator Cherargei was arrested on Tuesday in Eldoret over alleged inciting remarks. He was driven to Kisumu Central Police Station, where he was released and expected to appear at the Eldoret DCI offices on Thursday.
Kisumu County Criminal Investigations Officer Onesmus Arap Towett confirmed the senator's release and stated that DCI officers had interrogated him. A decision on whether to charge him would be made within two days.
Addressing journalists at the Central Police Station after his release, Senator Cherargei maintained his innocence, saying he did not intend to propagate any inciting remarks.
"I have always stood for peace, justice, and human rights. We want to ask all Kenyans to be peaceful, especially the people of Nandi County. These are just routine investigations… but we should desist from turning this into political persecution because of our political affiliation," said Cherargei.
