The sibling rivalry in Azimio la Umoja unfolded in Kikuyu after anniversary MP Owen Ndung’u threw money at a crowd attending KANU’s Stephen Kigathi meeting.
Seen in footage by TAUT.co.ke, Ndung’u threw notes of unknown value at supporters from the sunroof of his campaign vehicle, disrupting the rally.
Those attending the rally rushed to collect some of the cash as the vehicle squirmed through Kikuyu, abruptly ending the political rally.
From left to right: Kikuyu MP aspirants Stephen Kigathi (KANU) and Owen Ndung’u (Jubilee).
TAUT.co.ke
The KANU candidate yelled at the press, calling his opponent’s move an unfair political gimmick.
Kigathi filed a petition with TAUT Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to investigate the behavior of his Jubilee counterpart, adding that he should be charged with an election offense.
“I’m going to the IEBC to make sure they enforce their election code and make sure the candidate (Ndung’u) corrects the mess he made today,” Kigathi noted.
For his part, the hopeful Jubilee MP acquitted himself of any wrongdoing, arguing that he had no prior knowledge of the rally and was simply following his route.
“Personally, I have not witnessed any violence. I was on my road tour and as usual I bought a few items from the traders in the market and greeted the people,” Ndung’u defended.
The two candidates are among nine candidates seeking to oust incumbent Kimani Ichung’wah, who is defending his seat in a United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Other candidates in the race include Geoge Gitau (Chama Cha Kazi), John Wamagata (Safina) and Geoffrey Muya (Narc-Kenya) and independent candidates Stephen Njuguna, Fredrik Gituku, Frank Mbugua and Simon Mburu.
The Election Code prohibits the disrupting of rallies by candidates, who can demand penalties ranging from fines to eventual disqualification from the race.
“Anyone bound by this Code shall do nothing to impede the right of a party, through its candidates, recruiting agencies and representatives, to have reasonable access to voters for the purpose of soliciting support,” the code reads in part.
From the right; IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati addresses election officials at a past event.
Daily Nation
