IEBC asks DPP Haji to probe Ruto, Raila over campaign resources
By Joshua Cheloti
The Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has been asked by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to investigate claims that Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga are using public resources for their presidential campaigns.
According to IEBC, the claims were made by Thirdway Alliance Party in a letter dated March 11, 2022.
Through a letter to the DPP, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati says the party expressed displeasure at the manner in which illegal early campaigns had gained momentum and the prevalence of use of public resources by politicians to advance personal and political objectives.
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File image of DPP Noordin Haji. |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
“The party has singled out Deputy President Dr. William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as having an undue advantage over other aspirants by dint of using public resources thus enjoying a competitive edge,” Chebukati said in part of the letter to the DPP.
IEBC points out that the Elections Offences Act 2016 outlaws the use of public resources to campaign for elections and that it is the DPP that has powers to order for an investigation of such offenses and to prosecute.
“It is in this premise that we wish to escalate this complaint to your office to deal with since the same falls under your purview,” said the IEBC chair in the letter.
Both DP Ruto and Raila are considered the front runners for the presidential race in the upcoming general election scheduled to be held on August 9, 2022.
They have been moving around the country popularizing their bids, and it remains the matter of the DPP to investigate claims raised by the Thirdway Alliance Party on the use of public resources by the two.
DP Ruto is expected to fly the Kenya Kwanza flag that enjoys the backing of several parties among them ANC, Ford Kenya, and Chama cha Kazi, while Raila Odinga is the Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate.
Raila’s bid has been endorsed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
File image of DPP Noordin Haji. |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
“The party has singled out Deputy President Dr. William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as having an undue advantage over other aspirants by dint of using public resources thus enjoying a competitive edge,” Chebukati said in part of the letter to the DPP.
IEBC points out that the Elections Offences Act 2016 outlaws the use of public resources to campaign for elections and that it is the DPP that has powers to order for an investigation of such offenses and to prosecute.
“It is in this premise that we wish to escalate this complaint to your office to deal with since the same falls under your purview,” said the IEBC chair in the letter.
Both DP Ruto and Raila are considered the front runners for the presidential race in the upcoming general election scheduled to be held on August 9, 2022.
They have been moving around the country popularizing their bids, and it remains the matter of the DPP to investigate claims raised by the Thirdway Alliance Party on the use of public resources by the two.
DP Ruto is expected to fly the Kenya Kwanza flag that enjoys the backing of several parties among them ANC, Ford Kenya, and Chama cha Kazi, while Raila Odinga is the Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate.
Raila’s bid has been endorsed by President Uhuru Kenyatta. What's Your Reaction?
