Kenyan police arrest S. Sudan president's son over drunkenness

March 28, 2014 (NAIROBI) – Kenyan authorities on Friday arrested South Sudan president Salva Kiir’s son for causing trouble in the family after getting drunk in neighbouring country’s capital, Nairobi.

South Sudan first lady Mary Ayen Mayardit in New York (Photo: Larco Lomayat)

Manut Kiir Mayardit was arrested by the Kenyan police for assaulting his sister Winnie after drunkenness in the family’s luxury residence on Manyani East Road, the Kenyan Daily Nation reported on Friday.

South Sudan’s first lady, Mary Ayendit reportedly alerted the police about the violent behaviour of her 23-year old son who was arrested after he became uncontrollable.

Nairobi county police commander, Benson Kibue, said the police had to intervene when the suspect became violent, prompting the family to inform the authorities.

Officers led by Muthangari chief inspector, Hannington Kirimi, rushed to Ayendit’s residence where they arrested Manut and took him into custody.

President Kiir’s son was to be charged with assault and being drunk and disorderly but was released unconditionally on Friday.

"We decided to release him after the family informed us that they had solved the matter amicably," the police chief told the Kenyan daily.

When journalists visited the family’s residence for a follow-up interview, family members claimed they were not aware of the incident and that Manut left for Juba a day before.

A Wednesday record at the police station, however, indicated that the South Sudanese leader’s son was placed in custody while intoxicated.

President Kiir, 62, has ruled South Sudan since 2005 and after its independence in July 2011.

(ST)