Barely a month after journalist Doreen Biira was arrested for taking and posting photos of the attack on Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere’s palace in Kasese, her father Dr. John Baluku was today arrested and later released.
“Receiving reports of my Dad being detained … reasons not yet confirmed. I pray he’s just being asked to write a statement or answer to a few questions … that would be okay. Hope it’s nothing serious,” a worried Doreen Biira, broke the news of the arrest of her dad.
Dr. Baluku was arrested today morning as he went to attend a court session in which the arrested King, Omusinga Mumbere is under trial for several charges.
“Just been told my Dad Dr John Baluku who had gone to Jinja alongside others to witness the court session of His Majesty Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere has also been arrested..now what is this. I stand firm amidst all this confusion,” Geoffrey Baluku, her brother minutes later re-echoed the news of the arrest to his followers on Facebook.
Apparently Mzee Baluku was detained, grilled and released in the afternoon.
“Mzee is fine and out. Free. Spoke to him on phone. Friends, thanks for your support and solidarity. God bless…” their young brother, Alex Masereka updated a few minutes ago.
Dr Baluku’s arrest comes at the backdrop of the arrest of his daughter, Biira formerly with NBS and currently working with a Kenyan TV station, KTN.
Late last month Doreen, together with her fiancé, had gone for their traditional wedding ceremony, but were arrested and spent a night behind bars for taking photos of what transpired during the army’s raid on Omusinga’s palace, which the two later shared on social media.
Doreen is out on bail though but still facing charges of abetting terrorism.
Meanwhile, since the arrest of the King, Dr Baluku’s family has been very vocal in demanding for his release.
“I stand with Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma of the Great #RwenzururuKingdom in these trying times. #FreeMyKing,” was one of Goeffrey’s recent posts on Facebook.
