DPP orders for arrest of MP Alice Wahome

The Director of Public Prosecution has ordered for the arrest and arraignment of Kandara Member of Parliament Alice Wahome after her scuffle with an IEBC official on Friday.

In a statement signed by Senior Assistant DPP Alloys Kemo, the prosecution office has directed Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinett to commence investigations after Wahome was caught on camera engaging in a tussle with Kandara Returning officer, Martin Malonza.

“Our attention has been drawn to a video clip circulating on social media depicting Hon. Alice Wahome assaulting and/or obstructing an Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission official. I advise you to commence thorough investigations to cause the said MP to be arrested and charged in a court of law with the relevant offences under the Penal Code and the Election Offences Act,” says Kemo.

If convicted, Wahome could face a fine not exceeding Ksh.500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years, according to the Election Offences Act (2016).

The DPP statement came hours after IEBC issued a strong statement calling for the punishment of the Murang’a county politician on grounds that her actions constituted intimidation of an election official.

“We take great exception the manner in which MP Alice Wahome harassed an IEBC official performing his duties. Such is an electoral offence that must be punished,” said IEBC.

In the video that has since gone viral, Wahome is seen to be engaged in a physical altercation with the Returning Officer over some papers which were later confirmed to be the constituency’s Form 34B.

Reports claim the Kandara MP was late to sign the election declaration form, causing the scuffle when Malonza wanted to leave without her signature for Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi where the form was due to be delivered.