Police keeping close watch on politicians likely to cause chaos

Residents of Isiolo flee Isiolo stadium after chaos broke out as supporters clashed, moments before the arrival of President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • National Police Service spokesman George Kinoti said politicians cited for incitement and violence had been charged and officers had been given instructions on others who violate the law.
  • On Saturday, Ibrahim Huka, 30, was shot dead by a police officer in Isiolo during campaigns organised by Jubilee gubernatorial aspirant Abdul Bahari.
  • In Tharaka-Nithi, Tigania West deputy county commissioner Alfred Makau was injured after being hit with a stone.
  • In Kisumu County, angry youths smashed a vehicle carrying area MP Ken Obura on January 25.

Police have identified politicians who are likely to cause violence in the lead up to the August elections and are monitoring them daily.

National Police Service spokesman George Kinoti said politicians cited for incitement and violence had been charged and officers had been given instructions on others who violate the law.

“A number of politicians have been arrested and taken to court for hate speech, incitement and other Penal Code offences across the political divide. Some have been acquitted while other cases are pending. No one will be spared,” he said.

Ahead of the official campaign period that kicks off on Sunday, political activities have taken a dangerous turn in which deaths and serious injuries have happened.

On Saturday, Ibrahim Huka, 30, was shot dead by a police officer in Isiolo during campaigns organised by Jubilee gubernatorial aspirant Abdul Bahari. A police officer was also injured.

HIT WITH A STONE

In Tharaka-Nithi, Tigania West deputy county commissioner Alfred Makau was injured after being hit with a stone.

This was after a meeting by Tharaka-Nithi governor and senator turned chaotic on Thursday.

In Bungoma, a campaigner of governor challenger Wycliffe Wangamati was seriously injured in an attack in Webuye.

Mr Joseph Kubende was driving to his home on Friday night when his car was blocked by a Probox whose occupants pulled him out and hit him with a blunt object on the head.

In Kisumu County, angry youths smashed a vehicle carrying area MP Ken Obura on January 25.

DISPERSED CROWD

In another incident on February 15, Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma and Nyando MP Fred Outa clashed at a public meeting in Ahero over tractors given to farmers, forcing the police to intervene.

On the same day, police dispersed rowdy youths who fought at Mamboleo in Kisumu over alleged voter transfer by politicians.

On May 7, Mr Bernard Otieno, 43, was seriously injured after he was attacked at Chemelil market where supporters of Masogo/Nyangoma MCA Samuel Ong’ow and his rival Habil Nyasuna clashed.

In Homa Bay County, two youths were seriously injured in Kendu Bay town after supporters of governor Cyprian Awiti and those of Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga clashed. Four youths were arrested.

Police in Homa Bay town are also investigating incidents where youths who are not supporting certain governorship aspirants have been ejected from entertainment joints and assaulted.

VIOLENCE
Outlawed organised gangs such as the 35 Brothers operating in Kendu Bay and Men in Black in Homa Bay town have been accused of being responsible for the violence.

In Migori County, at least three people have died and many others injured since last year in campaign-related violence.

In Kisii County, Jubilee supporters were roughed up and their t-shirts and caps burnt after President Uhuru Kenyatta and deputy William Ruto held a rally there.

In Mombasa, police arrested Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi over claims of destroying voting materials at the Bomu Primary School polling centre during the ODM nominations on April 22.

On the same day, in Jomvu constituency, supporters of aspirant Dan Aloo stormed Bangladesh polling station and destroyed voting materials.

SUPPORTERS INJURED

In Tharaka-Nithi, two supporters of Governor Samuel Ragwa were injured during the launch of Chuka/Igambangombe MP Muthomi Njuki’s manifesto on April 12.

In Nyandarua and Narok counties, leaders and investors are concerned over rising political intolerance.

Mr John Kamau, a businessman in Nyahururu town, warned that the continued intolerance would stall economic growth and investment in the region.

The latest incident occurred on May 13 when Mr Samuel Muiruri was shot dead at Fly Over area during protests over issuance of a Jubilee Party certificate.

On April 28, dozens of people were injured as police dispersed residents protesting the declaration of Laikipia governor Joshua Irungu as the Jubilee Party flagbearer.

Reported by Fred Mukinda, Barrack Oduor, Ruth Mbula, Nelcon Odhiambo, Rushdie Oudia, Elisha Otieno, David Muchui, Steve Njuguna and George Sayagie