Azimio Candidate Throws Cash to Crowd to Disrupt Opponents Rally

File image of Kenyan bank notes
File image of Kenyan bank notes
File

The sibling rivalry in Azimio la Umoja played out in Kikuyu after Jubilee parliamentary candidate, Owen Ndung'u, threw money at a crowd attending KANU's Stephen Kigathi rally.

In footage seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Ndung'u was seen throwing notes of undisclosed value to the supporters from the sunroof of his campaign vehicle, causing a disruption of the rally.

Those attending the rally scampered to pick up some of the money as the vehicle snaked through Kikuyu, consequently bringing the political gathering to an abrupt end.

kanu mp
From left to right : Kikuyu MP aspirants Stephen Kigathi (KANU) and Owen Ndung'u (Jubilee).
Kenyans.co.ke

Speaking to the press, the KANU candidate cried fowl terming the move by his opponent as an unfair political gimmick.

Kigathi petitioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to look into the conduct of his Jubilee counterpart, adding that he should be charged with an electoral offence.

"I am going to the IEBC to make sure that they enforce their Electoral Code of Conduct and to ensure that the candidate (Ndung'u) rectifies the mess he has done today," Kigathi remarked.

On his part, the Jubilee MP hopeful exonerated himself for any wrongdoing arguing that he had no prior knowledge of the rally and was just following his itinerary.

"Personally, I have not witnessed any violence. I was on my road tour and as is the norm, I bought a few items from the traders in the market and greeted the people," Ndung'u defended himself.

The two candidates are among nine candidates seeking to unseat incumbent Kimani Ichung'wah, who is defending his seat ona United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Other candidates in the race include Geoge Gitau (Chama Cha Kazi), John Wamagata (Safina) and Geoffrey Muya (Narc-Kenya) and independent candidates Stephen Njuguna, Fredrik Gituku, Frank Mbugua and Simon Mburu. 

The Electoral Code of Conduct prohibits the disruption of rallies by any candidates, which may call for punishments ranging from fines to ultimate disqualification from the race.

"All those bound by this code shall do nothing to impede the right of any party, through its candidates, canvassers and representatives, to have reasonable access to voters for the purposes of soliciting support," reads the Code in part.

Chebukati
From Right; IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati Addressing Election Officials In A Past Event.
Daily Nation
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