The Peaceful Co-existence Post-2018 must Not be Taken for Granted - Raila Warns

ODM leader Raila Odinga has called out the police for 'abuse of power' following the turn of events in Juja and Bonchari by-elections.

In a statement on Wednesday morning, Odinga dubbed it 'an arrogant display of impunity by a few overzealous and bellicose government functionaries.'

"What we have witnessed in the by-elections in Bonchari and Juja is an abuse of police powers and an arrogant display of IMPUNITY by a few overzealous and bellicose government functionaries.

"An election process is an opportunity for the voters to express their will at the ballot and not an avenue to pursue IMAGINARY and SHORT-LEGGED political interests. Security forces exist to serve the people and not the interests of those out to conduct political experiments," part of the statement reads. 

The former premier added," The peaceful co-existence post-2018 must NOT be taken for granted by some rogue elements wanting to confuse the HANDSHAKE for an excuse to ERODE our hard-earned liberties! This must STOP!."

A section of ODM officials led by Edwin Sifuna on Tuesday claimed that their hotel where they slept in was raided by police. 

There were reports of Government officials allegedly bribing voters to vote in favour of the Jubilee candidate Opore John.  

At the same time, Odinga congratulated ODM candidate Pavel Oimeke who won the Bonchari seat with 8049 votes beating Jubilee's candidate  Opore who garnered 7279 votes.  

File Image of Omeke Robert Obwoto of ODM 

"Congratulations to Bonchari Mp Elect Pavel Oimeke! The win in the just concluded by-election is a clear demonstration of the unwavering support and love for @TheODMparty.  Governor Ongwae, the Kisii ODM team, the Abagusii community and the entire family of ODM, kazi mzuri," Odinga tweeted.