By George Njoroge,
Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto has been charged with destruction of Sh7 million property belonging to the Agricultural Development Corporation (CDC) at Suam Orchards.
According to the prosecution and detectives, the MP led the storming of Suam Orchards between April 6 and 7, 2017, in a group that herded 178 heads of cattle into the maize field owned by the ADC.
The MP, who was charged at the Kitale Law Courts, denied the charges and was freed on a Sh500,000 cash bail or Sh1 million bond.
Kitale Senior Principal Magistrate Symphie Makila ordered the MP to appear again in court on March 15, for further directions.
Moroto was arrested on Sunday evening, March 7, while visiting families that were evicted in the controversial settlement scheme on the West Pokot and Trans-Nzoia counties.
He had visited affected families camping at Katikomor market and Katikomor Primary School when he was arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations based at the Endebess Sub-County.
The detectives waylaid the MP on the road after his visit, blocked his car’s path, ransacked his vehicle and arrested him. During the arrest, the informed the Tanga Tanga-allied MP of an arrest warrant dating back to 2017 when the MP allegedly led the storming of the Suam Ochards.
After the arrest, the MP was driven to Endebess Police Station then to Kitale Police Station where he spent the night as he awaited arraignment over possible incitement to violence charges.
More than 500 families were rendered homeless after destruction of their homes and property during the eviction under heavy security presence.
On Monday, March 8, Endebess DCI boss Peter Ochieng said they are preparing more charges against the MP regarding incitement.
