Nyanza Regional Commissioner Magu Mutindika has exonerated Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i against a raid conducted by security officers at Kisii County Governor James Ongwae’s residence on Thursday night.

The Commissioner said the officers were responding to an alert that the governor was holding an illegal meeting at his Maili Mbili residence in the outskirts of Kisii town.

Speaking after briefing the media on Saturday, May 15, on the security arrangement for the Bonchari by-election slated for Tuesday, he urged the governor not to drag the CS into the matter.

“ We are aware, that was not an ordinary dinner. Police have been doing their daily work. We are not favoring anybody,” Mutindika said.

On Friday, Ongwae said a contingent of about 50 police officers raided his residence, broke down his gate at around 8 am, and ejected Kisii county Senator, prof. Sam Ongeri together with Janet Ong’era, and Dr. Pamella Odhiambo of Migori county while taking dinner.

The governor, accompanied by leaders- Odhiambo, Ongeri, Ongera and ODM officials; Edwin Sifuna, Secretary General, Oduor Ongw’en, Executive Director, Timothy Bosire, Treasurer said they were being restricted by security officers from campaigning for ODM candidate, Pavel Oimeke.

“ Oimeke is not a bastard in Bonchari. He was born there and he should be given equal opportunity to campaign for the seat,” Ongwae told the press at Kisii Sports Club even as he linked the raid to the impending mini-poll.

Meanwhile, Kisii county Jubilee Party Secretary-General, Isaac Motari has ditched the party and joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to support the party’s candidate, Pavel Oimeke in the mini-poll set for Tuesday.

Motari said he decided to leave the party after the party’s leaders sidelined officials during the campaigns and alleged the party’s leaders condoned police harassment and intimidation of rivals.

Speaking to People Daily on phone yesterday, the official also alleged that the Jubilee party was using state machinery during campaigns to the disadvantage of other candidates.

He claimed the Kisii county government had started projects in the area to benefit locals but were stopped by the national government under mysterious circumstances.

“Jubilee party stands for and supports peaceful campaigns. I was shocked when security officers harassed some candidates who were campaigning peacefully,” Motari told People Daily on phone.

He said he will campaign for Oimeke until he wins, adding it was time for the Bonchari electorate to elect fresh blood to offer new leadership.