Punish Homa Bay thugs
What you need to know:
- Unfortunately, the problems being faced in Homa Bay have been experienced in past elections.
- Tolerating violence in Homa Bay could set a bad precedent.
The recent violence in the campaigns for the Homa Bay Senate seat is a worrying sign of political intolerance that should not be allowed to continue.
On Friday, the ODM candidate for the by-election was injured in fighting involving rival supporters.
This was not the first time violence is being reported in the by-election, and that is why the warning on Saturday by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that such conduct is an offence should not be taken lightly.
It is imperative that in a democracy such as Kenya’s, the electoral process — including campaigns, voting and the announcement of results — is conducted in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful manner.
Unfortunately, the problems being faced in Homa Bay have been experienced in past elections. The worst was the violence that followed the 2007 elections, where more than 1,000 people were killed and hundreds displaced.
The electoral and political reforms that followed, including new institutions and laws, were meant to ensure no repeat of such violence.
IEBC must, therefore, work with political parties, the security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure candidates in the Homa Bay by-election and their supporters do not involve themselves in unbecoming conduct.
Tolerating violence in Homa Bay could set a bad precedent.
