Gov't Impounds Vehicles Belonging to NASA Leaders

Police have reportedly impounded two cars belonging to National Super Alliance (Nasa) leaders in Parliament.

The two vehicles, belonging to National Assembly Minority Leader John Mbadi and Minority Whip Junet Mohamed, were seized outside Parliament buildings on Wednesday evening.

“They act in the most crude manner. They stop you on the road and tell you and your driver to alight then take your belongings before speeding away with the car,” Mohamed said. He added: “The vehicles belong to Parliament, which is independent. I don’t understand why one arm of the government should cede its powers to another.”

Mbadi said the officers stopped his driver outside Parliament and ordered him to surrender the vehicle. “It is unfortunate that vehicles belonging to the Parliamentary Service Commission can be taken by police,” he said. “I am reliably informed that vehicles of all Nasa leaders in Parliament will be taken.”  

National Assembly Deputy Minority Leader Robert Mbui said the seizure was a continuation of the government's intimidation on opposition leaders.

“The Leader of Minority and Minority Whip offices are constitutional. They come with privileges as contained in the PSC Act,” the Kathiani MP said. “You do not expect opposition leaders to praise the government. They are doing their work.”

On Wednesday, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino locked himself inside Parliament for fear of being arrested over remarks he made during a Nasa rally in Baba Dogo last Sunday.

“I know the vehicles very well. They have been used before to arrest some leaders and I have been reliably informed that they are waiting for me. "I am tired of being arrested. I want to work for the people of Embakasi East,” Mr Owino said. “I ask Kenyans of goodwill to bring me a mattress and food.”