Kiambu headed for stormy campaigns

The many reported cases of violence in the county are causing concerns among residents and a section of religious and political leaders.

Campaigns for the governor’s seat are already in top gear with Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu promising to unseat the incumbent William Kabogo.

Mr Kabogo has, however, vowed to defend the seat, declaring he is not a push-over.

However, the heightened political activity is happening even before the official campaign period is declared by the electoral commission ahead of next year’s elections.

Mr Waititu has the backing of most of the MPs and a number of MCAs.

VIOLENCE FEARS

And now a section of leaders have expressed fears that the county could plunge into chaos if the violence being witnessed remain unchecked.

Reverend Ezbon Ngaruiya, the chairman of Kenya Anglican Men’s Association in Mt Kenya South says such incidents are setting a bad precedent in the county’s politics.

“The culture of political violence that is slowly building up in the county should be stopped or the county should brace itself for chaotic campaigns.

Unless the police are weak or partisan, they should arrest and charge anyone perpetrating violence,” Rev Ngaruiya says.

Senator Kimani Wamatangi also says appropriate action must be taken against those behind the violence.

MPS ATTACKED

In one of the incidents on Wednesday last week, a convoy of Kiambu Town MP Jude Njomo and Kimani Ichun’gwa of Kikuyu was stoned by goons outside the county offices.
The MPs reported the matter at the Kiambu Police Station and were booked in the occurrence book number 52/27/1/2016.

Police said they are still investigating the matter.

Last year, Mr Kabogo and Mr Waititu’s supporters disrupted a pray meeting for Deputy President William Ruto at Ruiru Stadium when they clashed.

Mr Ichun’gwa said: “We are not taking this matter lightly. We are asking the police to arrest those behind violence.”