The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has written to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji to probe ODM leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto for allegedly using public resources to fund their campaigns.
IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati on Wednesday, March 23, cited that Thirdway Alliance Kenya party leader Ekuru Aukot had written a letter to the commission, claiming that the two Presidential candidates used public resources for their own benefit.
"The Third Way Alliance Party wrote to the Commission on Friday, March 11, expressing displeasure at the manner in which illegal early campaigns have gained currency and the use of public resources to advance personal and political objectives has become prevalent,” Chebukati stated.
Aukot pointed out that the move gave the two political bigwigs an unfair advantage in the August 9, polls.
“The Party has singled out the Deputy President Dr. William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as having an undue advantage over other aspirants by dint of using of public resources thus enjoying a competitive edge," he added.
This, Chebukati noted, forced the Commission to write to the DPP asking him to look into the matter in order to verify the claims.
"Section 14 of the Election Offences Act, 2016 outlaws use of public resources for the purpose of campaigning during an election,”
"It's in this premise that we wish to escalate this complaint to your office to deal since the same falls under your purview," Chebukati stated.
The Thirdway Alliance boss had highlighted in his letter, how the two politicians ought to be barred from participating in the upcoming General Election for contravening the IEBC regulations.
IEBC rules dictate that politicians should start their official campaigns three months before the elections.
Further, Aukot poked holes into DP Ruto's use of his residence in Karen, as a podium of politics. Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja proponents have, in the past, fired salvos at each other over the source of their campaign funds.
