Ex-Sports Cabinet Secretary remains in custody in extortion case

Ex-Sports Cabinet Secretary, Rashid Echesa remains in custody for his alleged role in extortion targeting Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. Rashid will spend another night in police cells awaiting his trial.

The bail of Rashid Echesa was denied last evening despite desperate attempts by his lawyers Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) interrogated him for 30 minutes at headquarters on Kiambu Road. After that, DCI sent ex-Sports Cabinet Secretary to Muthiga Police Station, where he remains in custody for two days.

Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa will spend another night in police cells pending arraignment. https://t.co/DVGa7SdYK2
— KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) March 30, 2024

In their plea to the DCI for his release, the two lawyers claimed that their client’s health had deteriorated. Hence, he required immediate medical attention.

They wrote that letter in the morning and told the DCI they should release Rashid Echesa on cash bail. So, that the family could take him to the hospital or the police take him to the hospital. Lawyer Dansten Omari told reporters about it.

Dansten also said the police decided to pick up their client from Muthaiga Police Station and bring him for investigation despite their explanation.

According to Dansten, the interrogation ended when Rashid’s health deteriorated. However, he was taken back to Muthaiga police station.

Dansten stated DCI agents picked up Rashid from his Karen home on March 28, 2024, and transported him to Muthaiga Police Station to help with investigations into charges of kidnapping and extortion.

He further said authorities have allowed them to see him. They hear DCI agents are looking into charges of extortion and abduction but they don’t know much more about it.

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It all came after a man alleged to be Rashid’s handler was charged with extorting Ksh 240 million from Kakamega Governor. Mr William Simiyu Matera is the suspect whom authorities have charged with two counts.

His charges include conspiracy to conduct a criminal offense and forcefully demanding property. He had accusations of organizing a gang that pressured and extorted money from Governor Fernandes.

Hence, DCI agents interrogated Rashid, and Muthaiga Police arrested him on March 28 for his alleged role in extorting Ksh 240 million from Governor Fernandes. They claim William Simiyu extorted this money on behalf of Rashid.