Kilifi: MCA Wanted After Allegedly Hitting, Killing Boda Boda Rider Using Stone

• Shimo la Tewa MCA Haron Thete said he would respond to the summon in connection with the murder of a boda boda rider on March 27
• He was to be arrested during Madaraka Day celebrations, but the Kilifi deputy governor and county assembly speaker intervened to protect his image
• The incident happened after two rival groups started throwing stones during fact-finding of the contested public land

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Kilifi - Shimo la Tewa MCA Haron Thete has been called in for questioning following allegations that he fatally assaulted a boda boda rider with stones.

Police stated that Thete and the deceased were engaged in a dispute over contested public land.

According to reports by the Nation, authorities had planned to apprehend Thete during the Madaraka Day celebrations on Saturday, June 1.

However, Kilifi deputy governor Flora Chibule and County Assembly Speaker Teddy Mwambire intervened, purportedly to safeguard the MCA's reputation.

"We called the MCA and informed him that his file was ready and he would surrender and present himself to police to record the statement and go to court," said Kilifi County Criminal Investigating Officer David Siele.

Thete has stated his willingness to cooperate in response to the notification.

Why is Haron Thete accused of killing Mtwapa man

The incident occurred on March 27 during a visit by government officials to investigate reported land-grabbing issues.

Thete, along with a group of youths, was present at the site to oppose the alleged encroachment.

According to a witness, a confrontation ensued between the two opposing groups, resulting in a boda boda rider ferrying some youths being struck by a stone.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, the rider succumbed to his injuries two days ago.

Homa Bay boda boda rider killed, suspects lynched

In a different account, a boda boda operator was ambushed and murdered at his residence in Got Rateng' by armed thieves.

The attack occurred following a community-led initiative to raise funds for him to acquire a new motorcycle, as his initial one had been stolen in a prior robbery.

Outraged by his death, locals initiated a search for the trio of culprits and eliminated them.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke