The Linda Mwananchi movement has condemned the arrest of Trans Nzoia County Assembly Deputy Speaker and Matisi Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Obed Mwale, describing the incident as politically motivated intimidation targeting opposition leaders in the county.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the movement said Mwale was arrested by armed police officers in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, on Monday before being transferred to Kapenguria Police Station in West Pokot County.
Mwale is also a Senate aspirant for Trans Nzoia County under the Linda Mwananchi movement, which said his arrest was an attempt to intimidate and silence him because of his growing political influence.
According to the statement, police have accused Mwale of funding criminal activities and organising gangs. However, the movement dismissed the allegations, claiming they were politically motivated and intended to undermine his political ambitions.
Linda Mwananchi argued that Mwale's growing popularity and his challenge to UDA's Allan Chesang had made him a target of political persecution.
The movement further claimed that his arrest was part of a growing pattern of harassment and intimidation directed at its leaders in Trans Nzoia County, particularly those working closely with Governor George Natembeya.
It accused authorities of using arbitrary arrests to frustrate political opponents and suppress individuals exercising their democratic rights.
The movement called for justice and demanded Mwale's immediate release, insisting that the allegations against him should not be used as a tool to settle political scores.
It also maintained that the incident would not derail its political activities, pledging to continue its efforts to challenge President William Ruto's administration and advocate for what it described as the restoration of constitutional order and fundamental freedoms.
The statement was signed by Pauline Njoroge, Head of Communication at the Linda Mwananchi National Secretariat.
Mwale's arrest comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with political leaders and aspirants positioning themselves for various elective seats.
However, the police allegations against the county assembly deputy speaker and the circumstances surrounding his arrest had not been independently established in the statement.
