Police hunt for MP Samuel Atandi over assault claims

A file photo of Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi. PHOTO | JUSTUS OCHIENG | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Siaya police commander Ambrose Mwawaka said they have opened investigation into the matter.

  • The attack comes three weeks after youths associated with Mr Atandi attacked nominated MCA Winnie Otieno and smashed her car's rare windscreen.

  • Last year, the MP also attacked an ODM youth official Edward Ogolla in Ugunja.

Law enforcement officers in Siaya are hunting for Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi after he allegedly stormed the county commissioner’s offices and attacked a government official.

Siaya County Commissioner Michael Ole Tialal said police are looking for the MP to record a statement after he allegedly attacked Modester Anyuor, a human resource officer on Friday.

Mr Tialal expressed dismay over the incident. “It's unfortunate if a leader can storm a national government office and attack a civil servant,” he said.

Siaya police commander Ambrose Mwawaka said they have opened investigation into the matter.

ASSAULT

Mr Mwawaka said Mr Atandi reportedly demanded for the personal contacts of Siaya director of Education in charge of the Teachers Service Commission but Ms Anyuor said procedurally, she was not allowed to do so.

“The MP then attacked the employee prompting her to report at Siaya Police Station,” Mr Mwawaka said.

Nyanza Regional Education Coordinator Richard Chepkawai urged the police to expedite investigation and ensure justice is served.

“It is unfortunate that somebody can just storm a government office and attack employees. Police should expedite investigations and grant the employee justice,” Mr Chepkawai said.

The attack comes three weeks after youths associated with Mr Atandi attacked nominated MCA Winnie Otieno and smashed her car's rare windscreen.

Ms Otieno said armed people accosted her as she left Manicaland Hotel in Malanga, Alego, where she attended the annual Kuon Festival hosted by the Siaya Political Forum on December 28.

“There were four of us in the car when youths emerged from a nearby thicket and stoned our vehicle. We identified some of them associated with the MP Atandi. We were lucky that they got scared by another car's departure from the hotel. They disappeared into the thicket,” she said.

Her case is still pending at the Siaya police station.

Last year, the MP also attacked an ODM youth official Edward Ogolla in Ugunja.

When contacted on Friday, the legislator did not confirm or deny knowledge of attacking the Education official in Siaya.