Luo Benga musician Atomi Sifa was arrested on Thursday over allegations of stealing a cow said to belong to Homa Bay County Woman Representative Bensouda. However, the singer has denied the accusations, insisting that he is the victim of a planned set-up.
Speaking to his fans through podcasts while being held at Homa Bay Police Station, Atomi Sifa claimed that his arrest was orchestrated in retaliation for remarks he recently made about the legislator’s family.
According to the musician, he recently posted a video alleging that Bensouda’s brother-in-law lives in a dilapidated house despite her position as the county’s Woman Representative. He also compared the condition of the relative’s home with that of the legislator, claims he believes angered her.
Atomi Sifa alleged that the criticism prompted a scheme to have him arrested.
Narrating the events leading to his arrest, the musician said he had attended a concert and returned to his home in Adiedo Village only to find a stray cow grazing in his compound. He claimed the animal had destroyed several plants, including part of his orchard.
He said that while taking a bath, several unfamiliar people entered his compound and informed him that they had come to collect the cow. Atomi said he allowed them to take the animal, even telling them that it had damaged his fruits and crops.
However, instead of leaving immediately, the visitors allegedly told him they were waiting for a Probox vehicle. Moments later, the vehicle arrived carrying police officers, who informed him that he was under arrest for allegedly stealing the cow.
The musician was then taken into police custody at Homa Bay Police Station. According to his account, the cow was not transported together with him.
Police had not publicly responded to Atomi Sifa’s allegations at the time of publication, and the claims that he was framed remain unverified.
