This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
The Director of Public Prosecutions' office has taken action against a Kisii chief accused of inciting residents to violence at the KeNHA Suneka Substation on July 5, 2019.
John Okendo, the Bomorenda Location chief, and three others, John Bosire, Machina, and a man identified as Kichwa, are being accused of inciting residents to destroy crops, structures, and trees worth Sh390,000.
Okendo also faces charges of abuse of office contrary to section 101 (1) as read with section 102 A of the penal code.
According to a letter dated September 24, 2019, signed by Prosecution Counsel Hillary Kaino on behalf of the DPP, the accused will help identify those responsible for the destruction of property and trees belonging to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
The property in dispute was occupied by KeNHA upon the enactment of the Roads Act 2007, and initially, the land was occupied by the Ministry of Roads and Public Works from 1976.
"There has been a dispute between local authorities and the Ministry of Public Works. National Physical Liason committee handed the ownership to Ministry of Public Works in 2003," reads part of the letter from the DPP.
"Having discussed the facts in this matter, we recommend the arrest of the said suspects who incited the public to commit the offences to help in investigations," said the DPP.
