There will be violence if Malindi by-election votes are rigged, Cord says
Cord leaders during a campaign rally for ODM Malindi Constituency aspirant William Mtengo at Ngala grounds, Kilifi County, on February 8, 2016. The principals warned that if votes were stolen, violence would start in Malindi and spread throughout the country. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Odinga accused the government of failing to fulfill its election pledges such as fighting corruption, laptops for schools, electricity supply, job creation and infrastructure.
- Praising Tanzanian President John Magufuli for fighting corruption, Mr Odinga asked the government to do the same instead of harassing the Opposition leaders.
Cord principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang'ula on Monday warned that there will be violence in the country if votes in the March 7 Malindi by-election are stolen.
Speaking at the first public rally Ngala Estate Grounds after ODM candidate Willy Mtengo was cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the principals warned that if votes were stolen, violence would start in Malindi and spread throughout the country.
“If they steal Mtengo’s and Cord votes, this will spoil Kenya not only in Malindi but throughout the country,” Mr Musyoka warned.
He said that Cord will place two Members of Parliament at each polling station to prevent any theft of votes after sensing that Jubilee was planning to steal votes.
This was after Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi said earlier that the Jubilee government had started harassing the Opposition candidate and leaders.
“They targeted Opposition leaders beginning with Governor Joho by closing his companies, they went to Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba and Willy Mtengo over alleged fake certificates. They are planning to arrest him but today he was cleared by IEBC,” he said.
Mr Musyoka accused the government of perpetuating various types of corruption including nominating Opposition MPs to ministerial jobs without consultation.
“They stole our MPs including Dan Kazungu without consulting the Opposition and that is corruption of the highest order, a violation of the constitution and the spirit of devolution,” he said.
BATTLE GRAFT
Mr Odinga accused the government of failing to fulfill its election pledges such as fighting corruption, laptops for schools, electricity supply, job creation and infrastructure.
“We also question the sacking of National Oil Corporation Managing Director Ms Sumaiya Athman, one of the best managers and the only one from Malindi in high government position. She was replaced by a person with a questionable record after recording excellent results,” he said.
Praising Tanzanian President John Magufuli for fighting corruption, Mr Odinga asked the government to do the same instead of harassing the Opposition leaders.
He hailed Mr Joho’s stand against the government and condemned the closure of his go downs adding that it should respect the Opposition.
ODM Chief Whip Thomas Mwadegu warned rebel ODM leaders led by Mr Gideon Mung’aro, Mr Khatib Mwashetani and Mr Mustafa Iddi that stern action would be taken against them including being expelled from all Parliamentary committees from Tuesday.
