The Council of Governors (CoG) has strongly criticized the arrest of Tana River Governor Dhadho Gaddae Godhana, labeling it as “impulsive” and an act of “bullying” by law enforcement.
Governor Godhana, along with Galole MP Hiribae Said Buya, was taken into custody by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) amid ongoing inter-clan violence in Tana River that has resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals.
In a statement on Saturday, CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi expressed serious concerns about the legality and execution of the arrest.
He described the incident as a “flagrant disregard” for the rights of an elected official, emphasizing that public figures like governors should be treated in accordance with established legal procedures.
“Governors are elected officials and Heads of County Governments, well known to the public.
The way this arrest was conducted undermines the Governor’s constitutional rights, as outlined in Article 29, and we condemn this form of intimidation unequivocally,” remarked Abdullahi, who also serves as the Governor of Wajir.
He pointed out that if the DCI needed to question the Governor, they should have utilized formal communication channels, adhering to proper protocols.
Abdullahi suggested that existing frameworks, such as County Commanders’ offices, could have facilitated a more respectful engagement, maintaining the dignity of the Governor’s position and responsibilities.
Currently, Governor Godhana is being questioned at the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road.
His arrest occurred shortly before five other politicians from Tana River County were called to appear before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) regarding allegations of inciting conflict between local communities.
