Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba arrested on arson, assault, property damage allegations

Isiolo County Speaker Mohamed Roba. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Eastleigh Voice Reporter
Wednesday, August 27, 2025

According to reports, Roba was arrested by officers believed to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations along Thika Road, held overnight at Ruaraka Police Station, and moved early Wednesday to an undisclosed location, with his current whereabouts unknown.

Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba was arrested in Nairobi on Tuesday in connection with arson, assault, malicious property damage, and withholding a government vehicle.

The arrest followed an investigation into incidents linked to the Speaker, including clashes with police during an attempt to recover county vehicles from his residence.

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According to reports, Roba was picked up by officers believed to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) along Thika Road and taken to Ruaraka Police Station. He was held overnight before being moved early Wednesday morning to an undisclosed location. His current whereabouts remain unclear.

Earlier on Tuesday, Roba had taken part in an official welcoming session for the newly appointed County Commissioner David Kiprop and Deputy County Commissioner Michael Kioni, where he and a group of MCAs briefed the officials on the Assembly’s status and sought to strengthen ties with the National Government.

The arrest follows a DPP-approved prosecution after a detailed review of an inquiry file submitted by the DCI.

In a letter to the DCI Regional Headquarters, Principal Prosecution Counsel Nyaroita M. Nyokabi confirmed the inquiry, registered as DCI Isiolo Inquiry No. 15/2025, and directed that charges be filed.

“There is insufficient evidence to support the proposed charge of Obstruction of Justice Contrary to Section 8(1)(2) of the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act,” the letter stated, but noted sufficient evidence existed for other serious offences. The approved charges include arson under Section 332(b) of the Penal Code, malicious damage to property under Section 339(1), assault of a police officer under Section 103(a) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, assault causing actual bodily harm under Section 251 of the Penal Code, and incitement to violence under Section 96 of the Penal Code.

“The duplicate file is returned herewith for your immediate action,” Nyokabi directed.

The probe traces back to July, when police sought to recover three county vehicles from Roba’s residence.

Officers attempted to repossess a Toyota Land Cruiser VXL with an allegedly unauthorised number plate and two other four-wheel-drive vehicles parked in the basement.

Rowdy youths resisted the operation, throwing stones at officers, resulting in injuries to four police officers and a civilian driver, while one of the government vehicles was damaged.