By Stacy Mwanthi
Former Machakos County Attorney Threatened as County Askaris Harass His Family
Former Machakos County Attorney, Mr. James Kathili, has reported threats and harassment allegedly orchestrated by the Machakos county inspectorate.
It follows a visit county Askaris reportedly made on Tuesday to Kathili’s home. Kathili has reported that the Askaris harassed his children and left a message that they would return.
Kathili confirmed the incident, stating that the askaris arrived in a county government vehicle, Registration No. 16 CG 015A, and threatened his family. The harassment followed a week of alleged stalking and threats targeting the former county law chief.
“Their fight with me began when I secured the release of two suspects they wanted remanded,” Kathili said. He added that county officers had accused the suspects of being a security risk, leading to their initial bond being set at an exorbitant Ksh 500,000 for a minor offence.
Legal Representation Sparks Tensions
The two suspects, vocal critics of Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, had been charged with using abusive language during a public meeting in Katangi Market. Kathili successfully challenged the bond at the Machakos Chief Magistrates Court, reducing it to a cash bail of Ksh 10,000 each.
The move has sent shock waves among Wavinya critics as indications abound that the county leadership would unleash the county inspectorate by use of unlawful arrests and bails/ bonds
It is claimed that Kathili is targeted for standing between Wavinya and her critics. The move reportedly angered some county officials, prompting further targeting of Kathili. “The county inspectorate team even waited for me outside the court compound,” Kathili disclosed, explaining that he had to leave the court discreetly to avoid confrontation.
The next day, six inspectorate officers visited his home, further escalating the situation.
Human Rights Concerns
Mr. Manthi Musyoka, a Human Rights defender yesterday, decried the rising cases of intimidation and abuse of power by the county inspectorate. He questioned the rationale behind the heavy bond initially imposed on the suspects and why they were not charged at Kithimani Law Courts, which has jurisdiction over Yatta Sub-county.
“This is impunity,” said Kathili. “For a minor offence, they bonded the suspects at Ksh 500,000. When the court reduced it, they turned their bitterness on me.”
Manthi also highlighted a pattern of alleged violations, citing the assault of Maeke, an MCA, outside Machakos Law Courts, and the recent harassment of a journalist in Mwala.
Political Undertones
Kathili, who recently resigned from Governor Ndeti’s administration, suspects the harassment may be politically motivated, raising questions about the county inspectorate’s role in silencing dissent.
“Is Governor Wavinya Ndeti using the inspectorate to intimidate her critics?” Manthi asked, echoing growing public concerns.
Call for Accountability
Rights groups and legal experts are urging authorities to investigate the matter and ensure accountability. Kathili has since recorded a statement at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Machakos, calling for protection for himself and his family.
The unfolding events have put the spotlight on the conduct of the county inspectorate and its controversial role in handling criminal matters, fueling demands for justice, and adherence to the rule of law in Machakos County.
