Fred Outa, Ruth Odinga charged over attacks on IEBC staff

Former Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga and Senator Fred Outa were on Monday arraigned before a Kisumu court and charged with offences related to attacking electoral commission officials last week.

The two faced five charges among them entering in an electoral centre without authority, obstructing an election officer from executing lawful duties contrary to election offences Act and malicious damage of property. 

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Mr Julius Ng’arng’ar, the duo were charged jointly with others before court of entering Prosperity Building in Kisumu, an area designated for electoral purposes for training presiding officers in preparation for the October 26, 2017 elections without authority.

They were released on a Sh500, 000 personal bond but without surety. “There is no need for surety, because they are known and are required to follow the law,” said Mr Ng’arng’ar.

They were ordered to appear before the police on Tuesday for probe.

Last Wednesday, youth disrupted a planned session for the training of Kisumu Central presiding officers and their deputies and vandalised tents and plastic chairs at Huduma Center.

Mr Outa was independently charged with incitement to violence and both charged with stealing 94 plastic chairs, 11 tent stands valued at Sh92, 000.

“Without lawful excuse Mr Outa uttered words ‘Demolish and destroy these IEBC equipment and tent’ which are desirable to destroy the tents and other equipment being used by the commission and owned by Tausi designs and promotions limited,” said Mr Ng’arng’ar.

The case will be heard on November 13.