‘KDF’ Commander, Jaro Soja released on Ksh20,000 bail

Self-styled Commander of the K’Ogalo Defence Forces (KDF) and arguably SportPesa Premier League champions, Gor Mahia FC number one fan, Jared Otieno popularly known as Jaro Soldier was arrested on Thursday after allegedly assaulting a club official.

The charges were filed by club organising secretary, David Kilo, who claims Otieno attacked him prompting him to file a case against the supporter with the police giving the two 24 hours to resolve their dispute or the latter will be taken to court on Friday.

Otieno was briefly held at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium Police Post after being apprehended when he came to attend a club function at their offices located a few metres away dressed in his famed Green Army uniform.

He was later transferred to Nairobi’s Langata Police Station for questioning where he was subsequently released on a Ksh20, 000 cash bail with a court hearing set.

Speaking to Citizen, Otieno hoped the issue would be dealt with internally on the advise of club chairman, Ambrose Rachier, denying he assaulted the organising secretary he once shared a studio platform in a local television station last year.

“It’s true I was present in the stadium during that time, I witnessed fans expressing their dissatisfaction with the clubs performance during the CAF Champions League but I never engaged Kilo in any physical confrontation neither did I incite fans to attack him,” he told.

“Mr Rachier advised Kilo and I to sit and square our difference out but Kilo was reluctant to do it,I therefore don’t blame the office for letting this issue go viral, lets face the law and let justice have his cause,” Otieno added.

News he had been arrested divided opinion among members of the club’s social media platforms with some urging for his immediate release and others hailing the decision.

Last month Kilo was treated at a Nairobi Hospital after being attacked by ruffians suspected to be club fans following a CAF Champions League game.

Kilo was manhandled and assaulted moments after K’Ogalo’s loss to Madagscar side CNaPS 2-1 in the first leg of their tie at Nyayo Stadium.

“The fans that attacked me were led by Jaro Soja. He is the one, who spotted me out asking the fans to attack me. I have reported the matter at Nyayo Police station and I hope the police will bring to book those behind the attack,” the official was quoted by Goal.com saying at the time.