IEBC Dispatches Investigators to Thika, Kabarnet and Kisumu After Chaos in Jubilee, NASA Rallies

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has taken action after violence was reported during President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga's rallies.

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati, on Friday, stated that the Commission had dispatched a team of investigators to Kisumu, Kabarnet and Thika where violence was reported.

He added that the team would collect information regarding the cases as the body moves to ensure the August General Election will be peaceful.

Chebukati urged all candidates, political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with utmost restraint and adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct.

He further reiterated that if such cases persist, the Commission could take several measures including fining offenders, suspending campaigns in areas prone to violence and barring candidates participating in the polls.

The Chairman urged Kenyans to adhere to the provisions of the Constitution that guarantee freedoms and rights to political association and choice.

“The Commission wishes to remind all Kenyans that the exercise of these freedoms must come with responsibilities to ensure that our electoral process is free from violence, intimidation, improper influence or corruption,” he noted.

On Wednesday, Deputy President William Ruto, who had accompanied Kenyatta to Kisumu, was heckled and booed as he attempted to address the residents.

Later the same day, Odinga suffered a similar fate in Kabarnet where a team believed to be of Jubilee supporters interrupted his rally forcing him to cut short his speech.

The NASA convoy was also ambushed and stoned the following day in Thika and Githurai areas as the Opposition leader toured Kiambu and Murang'a counties.

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