Bring your families to anti-IEBC protests, Jamleck Kamau to CORD leaders

Kigumo Member of Parliament Jamleck Kamau has dared CORD leaders to take their families with them for their planned protests against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Monday.

Speaking at ACK Wahamiga in Muranga County on Sunday, Kamau rubbished CORD’s calls for President Uhuru Kenyatta to disband the commission saying the President has no powers to do so under the current Constitution.

He asked CORD to table their petition in Parliament if they are serious with their demands for the removal of IEBC commissioners.

His sentiments come at a day when CORD has maintained that they will resume their weekly protests on Monday to push for the removal of IEBC commissioners.

The coalition, through Siaya Senator James Orengo, said they have a court order that allows them to demonstrate, though in a peaceful manner.

The Murang’a governorship aspirant further called on Murang’a residents to be support Kenyatta’s government in order to realize development.

Kamau’s entry into the race puts pressure on the incumbent Mwangi wa Iria who has already faced several impeachment attempts over allegations of corruption.

Wa Iria’s woes escalated this year with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arresting and grilling him over allegations of corruption in the county.

The detectives also searched his homes and offices in Thika and Murang’a to gather any evidence of graft.

In April 2015, Wa Iria was arrested by the EACC detectives and taken to court for allegedly misleading the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by failing to disclose he was convicted in a criminal case before Makadara Magistrate’s Court in the past.

However, the High Court issued orders restraining the EACC and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko from arresting him in relation to the allegations.

Tobiko had authorized Wa Iria’s prosecution on the grounds that he had provided false information to the IEBC in 2012.

According to the EACC, the Murang’a County boss had been summoned on several occasions to respond to the questions touching on his integrity, but failed to honour the summons.

In a rather direct jab at Wa Iria, Kamau accused the Governor of clinging on his development projects to gain mileage.

He further said Murang’a does not deserve to be placed among the most corrupt counties in the country calling on voters to support his bid in 2017 elections.

“My development record in the last 10 years speaks volumes. I will, therefore, not engage in politics of insults and empty rhetoric.”

The MP donated Ksh 100,000 to go towards the construction of the church. He also promised to build a Classroom for ACK St. John’s Heros Academy Kiru.

@benjaminwafula