NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar, 6 – The ugly and despicable side of Kenyan politics many would wish to hide was arguably on full display, in front of the glaring cameras for all to see this week as voters headed to the polls in a series of mini-elections for members of county and national assemblies.
Gunshots, teargas, fisticuffs, allegations of voter bribery and all manner of uncouth behaviour was witnessed as a dark cloud of shame surrounded the by-election in Matungu and Kabuchai parliamentary by-elections in Kakamega and Bungoma counties. As well as in London, Huruma and Kiamokama wards.
Despite several legislators being arrested for allegedly inciting violence and even being in possession of illegal firearms pushing Interior Cabinet secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i to have their licenses revoked with immediate effect, fear and anxiety is slowly creeping in the Kenyan psyche that the events of Thursday are sign of what is to come in the much anticipated 2022 general elections.
Already, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Saturday announced that it had summoned legislators accused of being the ‘orchestrators’ of violence during the just concluded by-election.
“It is unacceptable that Kenyans were treated to abuse, allegations of voter bribery, violence, and an environment full of tensions reminiscent of the period just before the 2007 elections”Chairperson, NCIC Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia.”
NCIC has as a result, summoned several legislators implicated for allegedly being the ‘drivers’ of chaos witnessed during the by-elections including: Homabay County Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, Msambweni MP Faisal Bader, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Mt. Elgon MP Fred Kapondi, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, Kasipul Kabondo MP Charles Were, Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala.
“These summons do not just indicate our intention to investigate and prosecute but rather also indicate the plan of the Commission to stop the unethical from occupying office.”
Despite numerous clarion calls by Kenyans to the NCIC to take serious action against persons particularly elected officials sowing seeds of discord to be prosecuted and even possibly barred from seeking and occupying public office, the commission has in recent years failed to fully actualize its mandate as politicians accused of fueling violence often walk away scott free and in numerous occasions become repeat offenders of accusation leveled against them.
Will the commission however this time take meaningful action that will bring to book legislators fueling violence and chaos at the expense of Kenyans?
“We will ensure the purveyors of hate and ethnic contempt are in jail, and as they wait to go to jail, we will put them out of the leadership of this country and ensure they never run again in this country.” Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia.
In the aftermath of the by-election that was overshadowed by violence, several legislators are already in police custody including former sports CS Rashid Echesa who was caught on video assaulting an IEBC official . Echesa has since been transferred to Nairobi to the DCI headquarters for further questioning.
Nandi senator Samson Cherargei, Kimilili Mp Didius Barasa, Chesumei legislator Wilson Kogo and Belgut Mp Nelson Koech were also arrested Thursday and accused of allegedly being in possession of illegal firearms as well as causing violence.
They however denied the accusations and accused police of unfairly targeting them.
They have since been released on a Kenya shillings 50 thousand cash bail with their case slated to be heard on the 4th,April 2021.
Dr. Kobia also called on the Inspector General of police Hillary Mutyambai to take disciplinary action against his officers who manhandled Lang’ata MP Nixon Korir in London ward, Nakuru County.
“Korir was mishandled by security officers, that is a matter we want to take up and IG must take action since it is something we saw on our television screens.”
Meanwhile several journalists covering the by-election were injured and are still receiving treatment.
Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiang’i condemned the Thursday incident saying that the, “shameful by-election behavior will not be tolerated” and that the government would invoke chapter six of the constitution to declare leaders who instigate violence unfit to hold public office.
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