KANU Senator wants Harambees ban lifted

Kenya African National Union (KANU) point man and West Pokot Senator, John Lonyangapuo, has rejected the decision by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ban politicians from attending Harambees.

Speaking during a Harambee in his county on Saturday, December 4, Senator Lonyangapuo claimed the Harambees were a crucial part of development to the counties.

“Kenyans are used to things we call Harambees. It is a tradition, and it is not the first time these Harambees are being held,” said Lonyangapuo.

The Senator, who was speaking at Kaptabuk Secondary School where he donated a school bus, said the IEBC should re-think its decision.

“IEBC should look at ways of revising the law,” said the Senator.

IEBC has banned politicians from attending Harambees, claiming they used such platforms to bribe voters, which qualifies as an electoral offence.

The ban is set to take effect from Wednesday, December 7, will see the disqualification of any politician defying the regulation, from the 2017 General Election.