IEBC puts political leaders on notice over inciting utterances

IEBC puts political leaders on notice over inciting utterances

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cautioned leaders against making inciting utterances ahead of the 2017 General Election.

IEBC said alarming utterances may “stoke political strife, polarise the country and undermine our national values as espoused in the Constitution.”

In a statement signed by the commission chair Issack Hassan, IEBC strongly condemned utterances made by Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal over the 2017 General Election.

“Sections 62, 63 and 64 of the Elections Act are clear with respect to electoral offences of treating of voters, undue influence, duress, intimidation and bribery.”

In a video clip that has been widely circulated online, Shahbal is seen as saying Jubilee will do everything possible to win the 2017 elections including employing the “use of force, bribery or stealing”.

The commission lauded the decision by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Keriako Tobiko to order investigations into the conduct of Shahbal, saying it will not condone individuals who undermine democratic values.

“We will not hesitate to take necessary action including barring them from participating in future elections. We therefore urge politicians to exercise restraint at this critical stage of elections preparations.”

“The Commission is committed to delivering free, fair and credible elections in 2017 and beyond. We urge all stakeholders to play their part to ensure that this is realised.”

In a statement sent to media houses, Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko on Wednesday ordered investigations into the conduct of Shahbal over his utterances.

The DPP ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to interrogate the Mombasa politician and send the file to him for appropriate action.

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