Moses Kajwang’: Rein in stone throwers

ODM candidate for the Homa Bay Senate seat Moses Kajwang’ has petitioned the electoral commission to disqualify his opponents whom he accuses of fuelling violence in the election campaign.

Mr Kajwang’ filed a complaint with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Saturday, saying attacks targeting his rallies could no longer be ignored as they were a threat to his life.

Speaking to the press after presenting the petition, the candidate said the violence was a breach of the electoral code of conduct they recently signed.

He asked IEBC not to hesitate but act decisively against the perpetrators.

“We expect that by Monday or Tuesday next week, the IEBC shall have formed a tribunal to investigate the matter,” Mr Kajwang’ told the commission which was represented by county returning officer Maurice Raria and central Nyanza IEBC co-ordinator Rasi Masudi.

“These attacks are well-planned and professionally executed and must, therefore, be punishable by law,” he said.

CANNOT BE TOLERATED

In Nairobi, the IEBC condemned the incident, warning that it was an electoral offence that cannot be tolerated.

“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) wishes to strongly condemn the violence witnessed on Friday against Moses Kajwang’,” said the commission in a statement dispatched by head of corporate affairs Tabitha Mutemi.

She further stated: “The IEBC Homa Bay County returning officer requested the candidate to lodge an official written complaint to the police and IEBC to enable investigations with a view to taking the necessary legal action.”

The IEBC also asked the public to maintain peace during the campaigns.

Mr Kajwang’ asked Homa Bay residents to shun perpetrators of violence, saying that no amount of stones will earn votes.

“Let them invoke the Elections Act and at the same time implement the ethics code that we signed jointly,” he said.

Hillary Alila, an independent candidate, asked the IEBC to ensure the aspirants adhere to the code of conduct.

Condemning the violence when speaking at Kasipul where he was campaigning, Mr Alila challenged fellow candidates to be tolerant of the views of their rivals.

“There is absolutely no reason why we should fight each other because the contest will end on February 12, but we will still remain residents of this county,” said Mr Alila.

Fred Rabongo of the National Agenda Party said candidates appreciated that all must hunt for votes everywhere.

“My fellow candidates should also desist from the use of derogatory and provocative language whenever they go to the backyard of a rival,” he said.

He attributed the current escalation of violence in the campaigns to the involvement of “foreigners”.

The two come from Waondo clan in Mbita and jointly pursued the ODM ticket before the party settled on Mr Kajwang’.

Deputy county commander of Police Mr Titus Karuri said they were pursuing the youths.

“We cannot do it in one day but I want to assure the candidates and the electorate of their safety and security going forward,” Mr Karuri told Sunday Nation at the IEBC offices in Homa Bay town.