This was an open treat made by SLPP’s Constituency 001 Parliamentary bye-election aspirant, Mrs. Navo Kaikai who was yesterday 20th June 2016 responding to threats she alleged was made by the APC supports to burn down her house situated in the center of the township of Kailahun. All this came following a bitter clash between supporters of both political parties on Sunday 19th June 2016 in the township.
This was confirmed by the Local Unit Commander of the Kailahun Police Division, Chief Superintendent Francis Banya who explained that he received a distressed telephone phone call from the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Maya Moiwo Kaikai, reporting that supporters of SLPP have attacked and seized two motor bikes from supporters of the APC party on their way back to Luawa Baoma after their rally.
He said he immediately dispatched a team of police officers to the scene of crime and that the officers succeeded in dispersing the crowd. He said supporters of both political parties were seen pelting stones at each other, forcing the police to fire teargas canisters to restore calm within the township.
LUC Banya said his men were able to make some arrests and suspects are currently detained in police custody helping investigations.
Deputy Regional Chairman of APC east, Maya Moiwo Kaikai who doubles as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development also accused the SLPP supporters of orchestrating the violence during APC’s official day of campaigning this past Sunday.
He said two motor bikes belonging to supporters of the APC were seized by SLPP supporters but were later retrieved by the police.
On the other hand, SLPP’s Constituency 001 Parliamentary bye-election aspirant, Mrs. Navo Kaikai also accused the APC supporters of perpetrating the violence by attacking her residence and supporters. She further expressed no confidence in the Sierra Leone police and accused them of aiding the crime by not repelling the attack.
However, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police East, Alfred Karrow Kamara has visited Kailahun town with some police personnel to strengthen police standby and also met with the two factions to maintain the peace.