Raila Odinga, IEBC condemn violence in Homabay campaigns

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called upon Homa Bay residents to shun violence and allow candidates to campaign peacefully.

Speaking yesterday at Ndere in Alego, Siaya County, Raila condemned the Friday incident at Kochia village where ODM’s flag-bearer Moses Kajwang’ was injured in a fracas that involved Maendeleo Democratic Party candidate Philip Okundi and ODM supporters.

“Campaigns should be done in a civilised manner where candidates seduce voters with their policies and not throwing stones,” he noted.

The stoning of Kajwang’ equally attracted the rage of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) which, in a terse statement, through the Manager of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Tabitha Mutemi, requested Kajwang’ to launch an official written complaint to the police and the commission to probe the incident.

“Section 65 of the Elections Act 2011 and the Electoral code of conduct clearly prohibits any form of violence during campaigns and anyone found to contravene the law will face its full force,” said the IEBC statement. The commission also urged the public to maintain peace during campaigns and to resist being used by any contestants to participate in any form of violence.

Reacting separately, ODM’s Director of Elections Junnet Muhammed, said attacking an ODM candidate in an area where the party enjoys fervent support was tantamount to throwing stones at a police station.

“This is a very serious crime. We we want to ask our people to stop this behaviour, because its repercussions can be very serious,” said the Suna East MP. Speaking about the forthcoming by-elections, Raila said he was optimistic of victory, saying, “We hope to capture the Homa Bay and Kajiado Central seats in the mini-polls.”

The ODM leaders also urged Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga and Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo to resolve their differences and work together for the benefit of residents.

He noted that there exists dissenting voices from Kisumu, Siaya, Nyamira and Migori counties involving MPs, governors and MCAs, saying “This is bad for devolution”.

Raila also called on MPs, Senators and MCAs to give governors ample time to deliver on their mandate. “Governors cannot deliver on their promises if this noise continues. No investor could also wish to invest here if this wrangling continues,” Raila said.

He pledged to convene a meeting that will bring together all Siaya leaders to reconcile and spur development.