Cheboi wants hecklers in political rallies arrested, charged

Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi has called for the arrest and charging in court of people who heckle politicians during rallies for breaching peace.

Mr Cheboi has claimed that unpopular politicians are paying hecklers to boo and shout down their rivals so as to create the impression that they are not wanted.

The governor was recently booed during a rally at Eldama Ravine that was attended by Deputy President William Ruto.

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet also suffered the same fate.

The residents nearly disrupted the rally demanding that the two leaders should not address them, saying they have failed to bring development in the region.

RUTO WATCHED

Mr Ruto watched helplessly as the residents unleashed their displeasure on the two leaders.

"If you are not satisfied with any leader who is in power then, instead of shouting at them in rallies, you should take your anger to the ballot box," said Mr Cheboi on Thursday.

He called for the prosecution of the hecklers, saying they should not be allowed to walk scot free after breaching peace during rallies.

Often, some people attending rallies express displeasure with a particular leader by booing them or asking them to sit down when they stand to speak.

This is common in political rallies but no heckler has been arrested for that so far.

Mr Cheboi further appealed to aspirants to conduct peaceful campaigns instead of adopting tactics aimed at publicly humiliating their opponents.

He further urged political parties to have a clearly defined code of conduct for their aspirants to ensure there is a peaceful campaign process.