MP arrested, forced to walk for misusing CDF car

By Edwin CheserekAn MP from the North Rift region was forced to take to his heels to avoid arrest by police officers who were ordered to seize him over misuse of a government vehicle.
The legislator had been spotted being driven in his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) car when police were alerted to mount roadblocks and impound it.
The MP had been warned several times to stop misusing the vehicle but he reportedly defied the warning.
Prior to the incident, the lawmaker is said to have travelled to his rural home during the long Easter holiday using matatu shuttle services to Eldoret.
His constituents who boarded the vehicle subsequently informed Crazy Monday their MP had put on dark classes and a long raincoat so as not to be identified.
Too poorAfter the holiday, he contemplated hiring a taxi to travel back to Eldoret town because he woke up late and missed a ride from a friend who had offered to take him to town.
The taxi operator, however, could not take his offer of Sh700, forcing the legislator to seek alternative means of transport.
He ordered area CDF manager to direct the van’s driver to pick him at his rural home.
No sooner had the driver picked up the MP than some officials and constituents alerted the police alleging misuse of the GK vehicle.
Police officers put a road block at an entry point to Eldoret town. The officers waved him down as the vehicle almost entered the town’s central business district.
The proverbial 40 days dawned on him when security officers ordered him to step out.
Though he knew a bad eventuality was in the offing, he attempted to convince the officers.
On sensing danger and embarrassment of a crowd, he knew his salvation would only lie in his thin legs.
Drama unfolded as the visibly dejected MP disembarked from the brand new CDF vehicle with loud gospel music emanating from the car radio.
Avoiding conflictThe officers could not believe their eyes when the man of dark complexion left calmly to avoid any commotion.
The security personnel resolved not to ashame him but instead watched him manoeuvre into the town.
The driver, who remained the only occupant of the vehicle, was asked to drive to the police station and hand over the keys and await further instructions.
Moments later, rumour had spread in the town and some constituents gathered in small groups discussing the ugly incident that made the MP a laughing stock.
His henchmen, it is said, consulted and resolved the matter be shelved to avert controversy.
The vehicle was later driven back to the constituency fund office where it is reported prominent personalities who used to drive in it have now developed cold feet. Some MPs use the CDF vehicles for personal use despite being allocated money to buy their own.