Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja appeared at Kilimani Police Station on Monday to address allegations of violating coronavirus regulations, according to multiple reports. The senator was accompanied by Makueni County Representative Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and lawyer John Khaminwa during his initial visit.
Police had requested Sakaja's statement regarding claims of incitement and breaking curfew after his arrest at a Nairobi nightclub on Friday night. He was released on police bond Saturday but instructed to return for processing before court proceedings.
However, Sakaja did not reappear at the station, and authorities reported his phone was unreachable when they attempted contact. Lawyer Cliff Ombeta, representing two employees of the Ladies’ Lounge nightclub, stated that the senator's absence had led to the continued detention of two daytime workers.
"The two women cannot be released because Sakaja cannot be found," Ombeta said. "The senator has gone missing. He is required to report back at the station to be processed for court. Other innocent persons have been arrested as collateral so that he appears," he added.
Sakaja had been detained overnight following a confrontation with police at the bar after curfew hours. The incident occurred during a period of extended lockdown measures aimed at curbing pandemic spread.
