IEBC tells Haji to probe Jacaranda chaos

Kenya’s national electoral agency yesterday asked the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji to commence investigations into the chaos that marred a Kenya Kwanza rally at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds on Sunday.

At the same time, Deputy President William Ruto and Azimio-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga engaged in a war of words over the incident.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati said only Haji can probe the matter.

Chebukati said their hands were tied by a High Court ruling that declared the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee unconstitutional.

Code enforcement

The ruling, Chebukati said, had withdrawn from the Commission the constitutional and statutory powers to enforce the code.

“As provided by Section 21 of the Election Offences Act, it is only the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) that has the power to order investigations and to prosecute offences under the Act.

“The Commission urges the ODPP to cause investigation and prosecution of those responsible for acts of violence witnessed at Jacaranda in contravention of the Code,” said Chebukati.

In a statement to newsrooms, Chebukati who described the incident as shamefully told candidates and political parties to conduct peaceful campaigns and adhere to the campaign schedules submitted to Returning Officers.

“The Commission wishes to remind candidates, political parties, supporters of candidates, the government and all Kenyans that they have a duty to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct and to shun violence, intimidation and reprisals that may compromise the conduct of a free, fair and peaceful election, and ultimately jeopardise the security of the country,” he said

The statement by IEBC came as Ruto and Raila blamed each other for the violence.

On his Twitter account, Ruto claimed Raila used young people for selfish gains.

“Mr Kitendawili, the lord of violence, has done it again: Hired innocent, desperate & jobless young people, victims of his sabotage of the big4 jobs plan, to shed innocent blood in his eternal quest for power. What a shame on fathers’ day Mr father of violence. Freedom is coming Aug 9th,” posted Ruto.

But Raila, also on Twitter, accused the Deputy President of always blaming everyone for his problems.

“Mr Six Months, for how long will you blame everyone for everything that befalls you. It’s not okay to be rudderless, clueless and plan-less. This country is slowly overcoming fraudsters and shortcuts that define your politics. Maliza uende. There is no room for sympathy votes,” said Raila.

In the incident, Ruto’s supporters engaged those of Raila in an altercation following a dispute over a campaign rally venue. The Deputy President had planned to hold a rally at the venue but Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said he had already booked the grounds.

At least two people, including United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Embakasi East UDA aspirant Francis Mureithi, were injured when rival factions clashed.

Ruto’s convoy was also stoned during the chaos.

In a letter, Ruto’s UDA asked IEBC to hold to account the perpetrators of the chaos.

The party alleged that the police were used by the Azimio Coalition to create tension with the intention of interfering with the rally.

The party further called on the electoral commission to summon the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and Babu Owino, whom they accused of being behind the chaos.

Yesterday, leaders from Ruto’s North Rift backyard condemned the attack on Ruto’s convoy.

Uasin Gishu UDA governor candidate Jonathan Bii alias “Koti Moja” and Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker David Kiplagat called for speedy investigations of claims that some politicians had mobilised youth to attack the DP’s entourage.

“We call on the security apparatus to bring to book those behind the attack. We know the price of peace as Uasin Gishu people,” said Kiplagat.

Bii called on Kenyans to tolerate each other and embrace divergent views as the country heads to the elections.