Muthama wants ODM disqualified from 2022 polls over Kisumu chaos

 

UDA chairman Johnson Muthama has called on the IEBC to disqualify the Orange party from next year's General Elections.

This follows chaos that forced Deputy President William Ruto cut short his speech in Kondele, Kisumu, after rowdy youth pelted his entourage with stones.

In a statement on Thursday, Muthama said the incident was proof that the government had given up on its mandate to protect citizens.

"The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should take action and discipline the ODM party by even disqualifying them from participating in the coming general election," he said.

The former Machakos senator also faulted the National Cohesion and Integration Commission for remaining silent on the matter and not acting in a way that would inspire confidence.

He added that the incident should serve as a wake up call to Kenyans and those tasked with ensuring peaceful elections and a smooth transition.

"It's a day that reminded peace loving Kenyans that the dark days of "Kanu zones" when opposition political parties were barred from campaigning in some parts of the country have never really gone away."

Muthama dismissed an earlier police statement saying that the DP had been warned of possible violence if he proceeded with his visit to the area.

"The question that police should answer is when did they know of the chaos and what did they do about it to ensure the stoning does not happen and it is stopped," posed Muthama.

On Wednesday, Police spokesperson Bruno Shioso said there was tension within Kondele area, owing to the alleged distribution of campaign logistical funds among local groups.

Shioso added that the intelligence was promptly shared with the DP’s team with a recommendation to skip the area.

He added that police swiftly reacted to contain the situation and ensured that the DP was not hurt.

Ruto was forced to cut short his speech while addressing residents in Kondele as his convoy ran into a hostile reception of rowdy youths on his second visit to the lakeside city.   BY THE STAR