This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
On October 17, 2019, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and her bodyguard, Mr. Geofrey Okuto, were detained by police as they sought to hold them for 21 days to facilitate investigations into the murder of Gumbao Jola, an uncle of ODM Ganda Ward aspirant Reuben Mwambize Katana.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Alloys Okemo stated that detectives were investigating the lawmaker over murder, incitement to violence, and assault. They also aimed to determine whether she breached the Electoral Code of Conduct.
According to the DPP, Ms. Jumwa is known to be confrontational and an inciter. She allegedly stormed Mr. Katana's home in a convoy with her aides, provoking over 500 people gathered in the compound.
The crowd charged at the legislator's team, pelting them with stones and other missiles. The bodyguard fired shots, and the crowd became more rowdy and violent, forcing police officers to disperse them by firing in the air.
Security agencies in the region had received credible intelligence that Jumwa's agents were planning to disrupt the mini polls. The DPP wanted the MP and her bodyguard locked up due to concerns about their security and the volatile situation in Malindi.
