Raila taken to Supreme Court over ‘election offences and malpractices’

The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has filed a petition at Supreme Court against NASA leader Raila Odinga over the chaos and violence witnessed in parts of the country during the October 26 repeat presidential election.

The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) argues that Mr Odinga and other opposition leaders committed electoral offences and infringed on the rights of Kenyans to take part in a peaceful election.

“The people of Kenya were entitled to participate in the Presidential election free from violence, intimidation, threats and interference with their right to vote,” reads part of the petition.

In the petition, Mr Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, James Orengo and Moses Wetangula have been listed as respondents with the IEBC and Attorney General being enjoined as interested parties.

The opposition leader withdrew from the repeat election with his supporters pouring out to the streets on the Election Day leading to deadly clashes in various opposition strongholds. In some areas such Kawangaware and Kibera in Nairobi, property worth millions was destroyed in the anti-election protests.

IDEG wants the Supreme Court to among other orders:

1. Declare that each of the four respondents jointly and severally committed election offences and engaged in serious electoral malpractices and or irregularities.

2. Declare that the Respondents’ actions as outlined in this petition violated the Rights of Citizens under Article 38 of the Constitution.

3. Make a declaration that the respondents are unfit to hold public office under chapter 6 and Article 137 of the Constitution.

4. Declare the respondents jointly and severally liable for the loss and damage arising from the acts of violence and intimidation occasioned during the period for the fresh Presidential Election.

Meanwhile, former Kilome Member of Parliament Harun Mwau has filed a petition at the Supreme Court challenging the validity of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election in October 26 repeat poll.