Agents of the United Democratic Alliance, a party heavily linked to Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto have been arrested in the ongoing by-election of Rurii Ward in Nyandarua County.
The two Brian Mbugua and Daniel Githinji were arrested on Tuesday, May 18, shortly after arriving at the polling station.
UDA party Secretary-General in a statement to newsrooms said the duo were arrested outside Rurii polytechnic and taken to Ol Kalou police station.
“UDA party agents have been harassed and intimidated by police across the ward. At Mugomoini polling station UDA agents have been denied entry and strangers purporting to be UDA agents have taken charge,
“In addition, police have mounted unnecessary road blocks across the ward all aimed at intimidating voters,” Maina said.
It is further reported that prior to their arrests, their car and phones were allegedly confiscated.
Police are yet to officially comment on the arrest of the UDA agents and the alleged harassment of voters.
Earlier on, UDA and ODM parties had raised complaints accusing Jubilee of using security agencies to intimidate other candidates’ campaigns ahead of the Bonchari Parliamentary by-election in Nyanza.
Their complaints came shortly after police officers stormed Kisii governor James Ongwae’s home on Thursday May13, night accusing him of holding an illegal political campaign.
Governor Ongwae claimed he was having a meeting with Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri and Woman Representative Janet Ongera in his house when police stormed in.
While calling for a free and fair election, the ODM party condemned the happenings, accusing police of protecting Jubilee.
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the misuse of police in the ongoing campaigns for the Bonchari by-election,
“Police have been throwing teargas canisters at our small-town hall meetings even and protecting the Jubilee candidate. Those involved should let the people decide,” read a statement by ODM.
