John Njiraini, 5 governors and 3 PSs targeted in probe
What you need to know:
Mr Njiraini, Mr Ibui and Mr Njoroge are accused of being agents of Jubilee Party through their membership of the Friends of Jubilee Foundation that supports the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The trio were among who-is-who in power circles who attended the fundraising on June 9 where a total of Sh1 billion was reportedly raised to support President Kenyatta’s re-election in a record two hours.
Internal Security PS Mr Kibicho is accused of campaigning for Jubilee in Kirinyaga on June 10 and the same was reported in the media, according to the Ombudsman.
The ombudsman wants the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko to investigate five governors and seven public officers for breaching electoral laws.
The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) wants governors Peter Munya (Meru), Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Paul Chepkwony (Kericho), Simon Kachapin (West Pokot) and Dr Julius Malombe of Kitui investigated and prosecuted for using public resources in campaigns.
WIPER
Acting CAJ Chair Regina Mwathia, through her letter dated July 12, 2017 to Mr Tobiko, wants Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner- General John Njiraini investigated for directly taking part in politics contrary to Public Officers Ethics Act.
Others are principal secretaries Karanja Kibicho (Internal Security) and Joseph Njoroge (Energy) and chairman of the Leather Development Council Board Titus Ibui.
According to the letter, Mr Munya, Mr Joho, Prof Chepkwony and Mr Kachapin breached section 14 (2) of Election Offences Act by placing advertisement about their achievements in print media between June 2 and 30.
Dr Malombe is accused of branding a vehicle belonging to Kitui county government in Wiper Party colours during his campaigns contrary to section 14 (1) of Election offences Act that prohibits the use of public resources in political activities.
“Pictorial evidence found on Dr Malombe’s Twitter account shows a Toyota Forturner car — Reg KBN 335J — property of Kitui county government, branded with Wiper Party colours in contravention of section 14 (1) of election offences Act,” the letter reads.
SH1 BILLION
Mr Njiraini, Mr Ibui and Mr Njoroge are accused of being agents of Jubilee Party through their membership of the Friends of Jubilee Foundation that supports the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The trio were among who-is-who in power circles who attended the fundraising on June 9 where a total of Sh1 billion was reportedly raised to support President Kenyatta’s re-election in a record two hours.
Internal Security PS Mr Kibicho is accused of campaigning for Jubilee in Kirinyaga on June 10 and the same was reported in the media, according to the Ombudsman.
Other public officers whom the ombudsman wants the DPP to investigate and prosecute are Head of Presidential Delivery Unit Andrew Wakahiu, Trans-Nzoia County Commissioner Anne Gakuria and the principal of Namangofulo Secondary school in Bungoma.
SCHOOL BUS
Mr Wakahiu is accused of using public resources to run advertisements about Jubilee government achievements on various radio stations, in print and electronic media.
It is alleged that Mrs Gakuria campaigned for Jubilee during Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2017.
The Namangolfulo secondary school principal allegedly allowed the school bus to transport Jubilee Party supporters during a political rally that took place in Bungoma town on June 11.
According to Dr Mwathia, the school bus carrying Jubilee supporters was photographed and pictures posted on Facebook.
“In light to section 21 of Election Offences Act, which empowers your office to order investigations and prosecute offences under the said Act, we hereby forward the above list to your office for appropriate action,” said the letter that is copied to IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati and Auditor-General Edward Ouko.
