Home » Raila Odinga angrily condemns misuse of police in Bonchari, Juja by-election

Raila Odinga angrily condemns misuse of police in Bonchari, Juja by-election

by Nderi Caren
Raila Odinga on campaign

ODM leader Raila has decried the use of police force in the May 18 by-elections in Bonchari and Juja constituencies.

In a strongly worded statement on his social media, Raila accused the government institution in charge of security of being biased while performing its duties in the mini polls.

“What we have witnessed in the by-elections in Bonchari and Juja is an abuse of police powers and an arrogant display of impunity by a few overzealous and bellicose government functionaries,

ODM leader Raila has decried the use of police force on the May 18 by-elections in Bonchari and Juja constituencies. Photo: Raila Odinga/Twitter.

An election process is an opportunity for the voters to express their will at the ballot and not an avenue to pursue imaginary and short -legged political interests.” Said Raila Odinga.

According to Raila, the security forces acted in a manner to cause division, and derail the efforts of the handshake.

“Security forces exist to serve the people and not the interests of those out to conduct political experiments,

Raila Odinga on BBI campaign trail
According to Raila, the security forces acted in a manner to cause division, and derail the efforts of the handshake. Photo: Raila Odinga/Facebook.

“The peaceful co-existence post-2018 must not be taken for granted by some rogue elements wanting to confuse the handshake for an excuse to erode our hard-earned liberties! This must STOP!” the former Prime Minister ranted.

The Bonchari and Juja by elections were marred by violence with claims of election irregularities made against the Jubilee Party.

In Bonchari, ODM and UDA decried harassment from the police force, claiming that the Jubilee candidate was allowed to operate freely.

In Bonchari, ODM and UDA decried harassment from the police force, claiming that the Jubilee candidate was allowed to operate freely. Photo: Susan Kihika/Facebook.

Several party agents from both ODM and UDA were arrested yesterday during the elections process.

On May 13, police officers stormed the house of Kisii Governor James Ogwae to disperse a meeting by ODM officials.

The police officers said that they had been informed of an illegal assembly that was taking place at his residence, which they had come to disperse.

Even after the challenges faced, ODM emerged victorious with Pavel Oimeke clinching the Bonchari seat.

In Juja, IEBC had to suspend vote tallying late into the night as the process was marred by violent scenes with Kiambu governor James Nyoro seen to be leading the disruptions.

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