Probe Ruto allies over poll rigging claims, House team urges Kinoti
Kiambaa MP Paul Koinange addressing the press on the planned rollout of the second phase of Huduma Namba registration at Parliament Buildings on September 28, 2020. He is flanked by Wajir Woman Rep Fatuma Gedi (centre), her Kisumu counterpart Rosa Buyu.
What you need to know:
- Mr Koinange accused the DP’s side of using Huduma Namba to score cheap political goals and incite the public against the government project.
- Ms Buyu said vote rigging claims two years to elections is a sign that the Tangatanga brigade have no winning strategy.
The National Assembly Security Committee wants the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to summon allies of Deputy President, William Ruto, to explain their claims of Huduma Namba being used to rig the 2022 polls.
Committee chairman Paul Koinange petitioned DCI Director George Kinoti to act on the allegations because there is a risk of plunging the country into chaos ahead of the elections.
Mr Koinange warned the DP’s allies against inciting Kenyans through unsubstantiated claims.
“We want to condemn the utterances made by members of the Tangatanga brigade against Huduma Namba by giving distorted information, thereby, threatening our national security and social fabric,” Mr Koinange told a press conference at Parliament Buildings Monday.
He was flanked by other committee members Fatuma Gedi (Wajir), Rosa Buyu (Kisumu), Paul Kabinga (Mwea) and Nominated MP Halima Mucheke
“We don’t want a divided country when going to the polls. The DCI should summon these leaders so that they can prove the rigging claims,” Ms Gedi said.
“Who wants to rig the elections? President Uhuru Kenyatta is not vying again, and we still don’t know the candidates who will be on the ballot in 2022 yet the DP’s supporters have concluded the election is being rigged,” Ms Gedi said.
Mr Koinange accused the DP’s side of using Huduma Namba to score cheap political goals and incite the public against the government project.
“Hypocrisy, sabotage and doublespeak have always been their trademark. My plea to the DP is simple; if you fundamentally disagree with the government policy, just ship out,” Mr Koinange said.
“We knew all along that they are opposed to the transparency this unique number brings.”
Ms Buyu said vote rigging claims two years to elections is a sign that the Tangatanga brigade have no winning strategy.
“The DP belongs to this government, if he has questions about Huduma Namba, why can’t he use the available channels to get answers? Ms Buyu asked.
Members of the committee said the provision of Huduma Namba had started in 2005 during the tenure of former President Mwai Kibaki.
“Huduma Namba has nothing to do with Jubilee or elections. It started in 2005 and in 2018, Members of Parliament further approved it through amendment of the Registration of Persons Act,” Mr Koinange said.
DP allies have alleged a plot by the government to rig the 2022 elections, but the government through the Ministry of Interior has dismissed the claims.
ODM leader Mr Raila Odinga also told off the DP allies over the claims, saying they have sensed defeat and are looking for something to blame for the failure.
