Police probe night attack on IEBC officials at Nairobi hotel

Police have launched investigations into an incident where unknown people allegedly armed with crude weapons attempted to attack Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials at Sarova Panafric Hotel, Nairobi, on Monday night.

The IEBC said the attack took place as the officials  were preparing responses to the filed presidential election petitions, but the attackers were  repulsed by security officers.

Acts of hooliganism

“At around 8.30pm, an organised group of goons, wielding crude weapons, attempted to attack IEBC personnel … The Commission condemns this act of hooliganism and intimidation, and calls upon the Inspector of Police to bring to an end this blatant abuse of the rule of law,” the commission said.

The attempted attack was also condemned by the International Human Rights Foundation, who called for calm.

The Panafric Hotel chief security officer Grace Karimi said a group of about 60 people stormed the hotel on allegation that IEBC officials were holding a secret meeting. The hotel is located along Valley Road.

“Officers rushed to the facility and the group dispersed,” states a report.

The gang seemed to have been tipped off by a customer at the hotel. Witnesses said some of the would-be attackers came on motorcycles and private vehicles.

Following the botched attack, more than 50 armed officers were deployed at the hotel and its vicinity until the petition filed by Azimio coalition is heard and determined.

Police Inspector General Police Hillary Mutyambai (left) assured the commission of adequate security during the entire period.

On Monday, the Supreme Court received nine petitions. The IEBC is rushing against time to respond to these.

In an earlier notice, Chief Justice Martha Koome indicated that election petitions should be filed within seven days from the date IEBC declares the results.

“The Supreme Court of Kenya is established under Article 163 of the Constitution and is at the apex of the Judiciary with the final authority in arbitration of disputes. 

“Judicial authority is derived from the people and exercised in accordance with the principles spelt out in Article 159(2) of the Constitution. One of the key principles of administration of justice is that justice shall not be delayed,” the notice states.