The Council of Governors has condemned the arrest of H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Dr. Dhadho Gadae Godhana, the Governor of Tana River County, which occurred at his residence late last night.
The arrest, executed by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was inline with an investigation into Tana River clashes that have so far seen atleast 19 people killed.
Governor Godhana was arrested, along with Galole MP Hiribae Said Buya.
In a strongly worded letter by the chairperson Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, the council expressed that the manner in which Dr. Godhana was apprehended constitutes a blatant violation of his rights, as outlined in Article 29 of the Constitution.
“The arrest displayed a flagrant disregard for the dignity and rights of an elected state officer,” the Council stated in their press release. “We unequivocally condemn such bullying tactics.”
The Council emphasized that if the DCI required Dr. Godhana’s presence for questioning, such a request should have followed formal protocols.
The necessity for collaboration through established national government structures, such as County Commanders’ offices, was stressed in order to maintain the integrity of governance and to uphold the respect due to elected officials.
The Council of Governors is calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and urges respect for constitutional processes moving forward.
