Raila: Organised crime funds election campaigns

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said criminal networks have been funding election campaigns in Kenya October 4, 2011. FILE

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said criminal networks have been funding election campaigns in Kenya.

In particular, he mentioned international drug traffickers, noting that they operate “freely” in the country and used their money to influence politicians and the police.

“Organised crime is financing political activities and criminals are in return being guaranteed protection, tying them directly to the culture of impunity pervading Kenyan politics and business,” said Mr Odinga during the official launch of a report unearthing the state of organised crime in Kenya.

Besides drug trafficking, the report by the International Peace Institute also revealed human trafficking, poaching, gun running, as well as trade in counterfeit imports.