MPs from Jubilee and ODM have traded accusations concerning the chaos witnessed during the Kibra by-elections. The mini scuffles, which saw former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale involved in a much publicized confrontation against youths and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa roughed up, have drawn mixed reactions. Speaking to the press at parliament buildings on Tuesday, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa, who was accompanied by other Jubilee MPs, called out Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and said the violent acts were targeted towards Luhya leaders, “It is no wonder that there was systematic and organized violence targeted against Luhya leaders in Kibra.”
According to the MP, a number of Jubilee candidate McDonald Mariga’s supporters were attacked the night before the elections, and the morning preceding the November 7th by-election.
He alleged that here were goons who were moving around Kibra telling people to take photos of their ballot papers after they vote and they’l inspect how they voted. “We want to challenge the Ministry of Interior and IG in charge of police, in some instances the police did work very well but there were instances where the police were openly biased and working with the police…” said Ichung’wa.
However, in a quick rejoinder, ODM MPs led by Suna East MP Junet Mohammed rubbished the claims. Junet criticized Deputy President William Ruto and his team, saying he should concede defeat. “The tragedy going to happen in thi country in 2022 is going to be a militia called tanga tanga led by none other tan DP William Ruto,” he said, “We want to ask William Ruto to accept defeat and move on.”
He claimed that supporters of Mariga had gone to Kibra with money to bribe voters but they were thwarted by residents. The ODM MP noted that DP Ruto is laying the foundation to oppose the BBI and handshake and the whole issue isn’t about losing the Kibra seat. “He is laying the ground to oppose the BBI report in the guise of not accepting defeat in Kibra. If he wants to oppose the BBI and handshake let William Ruto come out clearly,” said Junet.
