Punish politicians involved in violence during polls, Wanga tells IEBC

Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga wants the electoral agency to take legal action against politicians who committed electoral offences during Thursday’s by-elections.

Wanga said violence witnessed during the by-elections may plunge Kenya into lawlessness in the 2022 General Election.

The Woman Rep told the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to deal with those who perpetrated the vice.

 Violence was witnessed during the elections conducted in Kakamega, Bungoma and Kisii counties.

Choas also rocked London, Kiamokama and Huruma wards which were also having by-elections.

Wanga called on IEBC to act as soon as possible to prevent the perpetrators from taking advantage of situations to commit crime.

Speaking at Lwanda Catholic Church in West Karachuonyo Ward in Karachuonyo Constituency on Friday, Wanga said failure by the Commission chairman Wafula Chebukati to take action will lead to anarchy during polls.

 “An election is not a matter of life and death as was witnessed. I want to call on Chebukati to take action against the perpetrators,” Wanga said.

Wanga accused some leaders from western of being behind the chaos that were witnessed in various polling stations in Kakamega and Bungoma counties.

She said the violence should be condemned strongly by leaders who mean well for country.

The MP said it is wrong for a leader to assault an IEBC official over political interest.  She argued that the weapons seen during the polls will scare voters in future, a situation which may result in apathy.

 “If IEBC fails to deal with election offences as early as now, we may find ourselves in an awkward situation in future,” said Wanga.

Chebukati had already recommended arrest of former sports CS Rashid Echesa who was accused of assaulting an official of the electoral body.

The director of the presidential delivery unit Silvance Osele who was present during the function drummed up support for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).