Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka created a light-hearted moment by claiming that Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei once cried after being arrested by the police.

On Tuesday August 20, 2024 during the Senate session, Onyonka made this remark while contributing to a motion discussing the nomination of Douglas Kanja as the next Inspector General of Police.

He criticized the national police service for mishandling arrests, citing an example of a prominent individual, Jimi Wanjigi, whose house was demolished following his arrest.

Onyonka then recalled Cherargei’s arrest three years ago, claiming that Cherargei had panicked and cried out when police arrived at his home early in the morning.

Cherargei, visibly upset by the claim, denied it, asserting that while he was indeed arrested while naked, he did not cry.

He demanded an apology from Onyonka, insisting that his reputation and that of the people of Nandi were at stake.

Speaker Amason Kingi stepped in, asking Onyonka to substantiate his claim.

However, the Kisii Senator stood by his statement, promising to present a video clip of the incident after the Senate recess, which ends on September 17.

In the same session, he urged Douglas Kanja to uphold his dignity if confirmed as Inspector General of Police.

The motion to consider Kanja’s nomination was introduced by Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, who chairs the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations.

Additionally, nominated senator Crystal Asige mentioned that Kanja’s first 100 days in office would be crucial in determining his intentions and direction for the national police service.

Meanwhile, the Senate has given the greenlight to Douglas Kanja’s nomination as Police Inspector General.

This decision comes after a joint parliamentary committee recommended his appointment following a vetting process conducted last week.