A Limuru parliamentary aspirant Phillip Waweru Mbugua has raised concern that some politicians have started using youths to insult and heckle their competitors.
Mbugua says the issue might see the return of the outlawed sects, which will be unfortunate to the country as it prepares for next year’s general election.
He urges the police, National Cohesion and Integration Commission and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to work hand in hand to control the politicians.
“We are heading to the general election next year. Some of our politicians have started hiring youths, buying for them alcohol so that they can heckle rivals and instil fear,” he said.
“If some of these issues are not handled well, these youths might group themselves since they know each other, and form an outlawed sect and start wrecking havoc to our country. It’s very unfortunate” Mbugua said.
He was speaking on Friday at Tigoni police station where he had gone to record a statement over being chased by youths last Sunday, restraining him from addressing the constituents when Deputy President William Ruto was passing in Limuru.
He said Ruto on November 7, stopped at Kwambira, Limuru town and at Makutano trading centre where he addressed residents, as he was leaving Naivasha to Nairobi where he had attended a church service.
“Just 15 minutes before the DP arrived, a group of about 100 people who were drunk came threatening to rough me up, they started insulting me and chased me away” he said.
“I had to run for my life. They started screaming but the police dispersed them, I was left hiding in the town where I listened to his speech in a hotel. They were hired by one of my competitors who I want the police to investigate,” he said.
Limuru subcounty UDA coordinator Mbugua Turi confirmed the incident saying the aspirant reported to them and described it as unfortunate and shameful.
Turi warned that they were monitoring all candidates so as they do not cause chaos, violence and hurl insults at each other.
“We are working with the police and the IEBC to ensure we conduct peaceful campaigns and peaceful elections at the end” Turi said.
-Edited by SKanyara
