MPs Want Gov't to Set Up Special Detention Facilities for Kenyan VIPs

A section of Members of Parliament have called for setting up of special detention facilities for VIPs in the country.

Reacting to the detainment of embattled Migori Governor Okoth Obado who is being held at the Industrial Area Remand Prison after the high court denied him bail, the MPs raised questions on the status of the Nairobi facility.

Led by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, the leaders argued that Industrial Area Remand Prison was too low to hold an individual of Governor Obado's stature. Atandi said Obado and other VIPs should be held in decent facilities such as Kileleshwa police station.

"Some police stations have better facilities than others such as Kileleshwa. I am sure Obado is not having a good time at Industrial Area," said Atandi.

"I think VIPs should get better treatment as remandees owing to their status in society," he added. 

His sentiments were echoed by Makueni MP Dan Maanzo who said that holding VIPs in such facilities poses a risk to their lives.

"When VIPs are in custody, they may meet relatives of those who they are suspected to have hurt. These relatives may mete justice," said Maanzo.

Obado has been spending nights at the Industrial Area Remand Prison since Monday and will stay there for the next 10 days awaiting a ruling on his bond application. He has been charged with the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.