Azimio Defends Junet Mohammed, Addresses Disappearance of Agents' Money

Raila and Junet
Raila and Junet
COURTESY

Azimio la Umoja on Sunday, September 11, addressed the alleged disappearance of funds meant for hiring enough agents to oversee the August 9 General Election.

In a statement, Raila Odinga Presidential Campaign Secretariat Spokesperson Makau Mutua rubbished the claims noting that no penny was misappropriated.

Mutua also defended Suna East MP Junet Mohammed explaining that the lawmaker was a campaign leader and did not handle the funds meant for agents.

"We have seen shameful and disgusting attacks on some members of our Campaign on the question of agents. Defamatory and obviously false allegations of the misappropriation of campaign funds are flying on social media. Specifically, I have seen scurrilous attacks on Hon. Junet Mohamed accusing him of misappropriating funds meant for agents.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga and his spokesman Prof. Makau Mutua addressing the media in a past event
Azimio leader Raila Odinga and his spokesman Prof. Makau Mutua addressing the media in a past event

"Let me state without equivocation that Hon Mohamed was a campaign lead in the field supporting the Rt Hon. Raila Odinga. He at no time-even once-handled funds meant for agents. Nor did Mr Mohamed have anything whatsoever to do with the management of agents," read the statement in part.

Some individuals blamed the Azimio management, specifically Mohammed, accusing them of misappropriating funds meant for agents hence bungling the election and costing Raila the Presidency.

Reports had also claimed that Azimio lacked agents at some polling stations across the country indicating that something was amiss during the Alliance's hiring process.

In the letter, Mutua maintained that agents hired by the Alliance fulfilled their tasks noting that ensuring a free and fair election was not their mandate.

"Importantly, let me state clearly that the issue of agents was not the cause of a bungled election. We must appreciate that it is not the responsibility of candidates to protect the vote, or conduct a free and fair election.

"That constitutional duty lies squarely with the IEBC working in concert with relevant institutions. No one should blame Azimio or our candidates for stolen votes or a fatally flawed election," he added.

The former Prime Minister lost to his main rival William Ruto who garnered 7.1 million votes representing 50.49 per cent against Raila's 6.9 million votes.

Raila's attempt to have the results overturned at the Supreme Court was unsuccessful after the Apex court upheld the results as declared by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

IEBC Staff inspecting Ballot Boxes
IEBC Staff Inspecting Ballot Boxes
Daily Nation
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