Igembe North MP Maoka Maore is on the spot for severally harassing several youths opposed to his leadership.
Several youths in the constituency have in the last few months faced threats, intimidation and assault for freely expressing themselves on Social Media and other avenues.
On several occasions, young business persons and employees in various sectors in the constituency have found themselves in police cells and courtrooms for criticizing the powerful MP.
“Hon Maore Maoka will order your arrest in a matter of minutes. It seems his office is so powerful that he can easily access DCI Headquarters and give directives any time.” says Martin Mubichi.
“Mheshimiwa to be frank you are not doing any right. I will tell you for free the few advisors you got are messing you terribly. Let the youths of Igembe be. Police intimidation and arbitrary arrests won’t get you any political mileage. Anyway serikali inakula watu wake.” he adds.
“It’s unfortunate that Maoka Maore is using his position to harass the youth in his own constituency. Instead of using Uhuru and his position to lobby for better roads, kazi mtaani, good institutions, electricity, miraa markets and good health facilities, he is using his position to threaten and intimidate the youth.” laments Samson Mwiti.
Severe Injuries
There have been allegations of serious injuries on vocal youth leaders in the constituency.
“Development can only be delivered by leaders who have set good standards for themselves. Not lies and intimidation. Fighting unnecessary battles and jailing youths for dissenting and exposing shoddy deals is a sign of weakness.” says Mr. Kaberia.
Two years ago, 6 youths from Igembe North were arraigned in court, facing similar allegations of ‘publishing false information’ against the legislator.
“We have an unfortunate case of a leader who does not tolerate political criticism. We have heard many national leaders being criticized in microphones and on social media platforms. We need freedom for Igembe North youths.” says John Mutura.
“Let him pick equal parties for fights, not helpless young people who are advocating for better services in the community.” he adds.
Speaking after the arrest of the youths, aspiring MP Julius Taitumu termed the move an assault to freedom of speech and a misuse of the security organs.
“I wish to condemn with the strongest terms possible the ongoing harassment of our youths by the Igembe North Constituency leadership using the government security apparatus. Our youths deserved jobs, and support, not harassment.” Taitumu said.
“Freedom of speech must be respected. I urge the police not to allow themselves to be used to advance political interests.” he added.
Miraa woes
The legislator’s recent anti-miraa remarks have attracted sharp criticism from local leaders and business people in the area.
While at a school meeting, Maore alleged that Agriculture CS Peter Munya was facilitating the ‘smuggling’ of miraa into neighboring Somalia.
“Those traders should not drag my name into their conmanship. Munya has been giving fake business permits to them. I am not involved in their illegal business.” he said.
In response, traders and leaders in Igembe have accused him of attempting to further cripple the miraa trade, the only source of livelihood in the area.
“We are waiting to hear what Hon. Maoka Maore has done to salvage the miraa business. Our children cannot go to school for lack of fees. He should apologize as he goes home after the elections.” says MP Aspirant Julius Taitumu.
The author is a Social Media Strategist, a Digital Media Expert with interest in Governance and Social Welfare.
