A section of leaders and residents in Murang’a have come out to condemn violence which was witnessed after supporters of two gubernatorial aspirants clashed on Sunday.
The violence which happened at Kaweru in Gaturi ward between supporters of Irungu Nyakera and those of Wairagu wa Maai left 10 people nursing injuries.
Some residents have termed the incident as a bad precedent as the official campaigning period draws near.
Ahadi Kenya Trust Director Stanley Kamau has accused politicians of failing to control their supporters saying such violence would make a big number of residents shy off from participating in the forthcoming elections.
He said IEBC should institute investigations and take stern action against the perpetrators of the violence.
Kamau added that aspirants should wait until the official campaigning period which will kick off from May 29.
“IEBC should stop these early campaigns and order all the aspirants to wait for the right time when every candidate will give a roadmap on how he or she will conduct campaigns,” Kamau said on Tuesday.
He said the chaos witnessed in Murang’a during the 2017 campaigns should not be repeated.
“Let those perpetuating chaos be barred from running for various elective positions come August 9. In Murang’a we want peace. There is life after elections so let’s tolerate each other,” he further said.
On his part, gubernatorial aspirant Jamleck Kamau called upon all aspirants to contain their supporters saying clashes would taint the image of Murang’a.
“Murang’a is a peaceful county and let’s not engage in violent campaigns which may lead to loss of lives. As aspirants we promised to conduct peaceful campaigns and let’s adhere to election laws,” added Jamleck.
On Sunday’s incident, supporters of Wairagu and those of Nyakera clashed over differences that emerged on who was right to campaign in the ward.
Murang’a East sub county police commander Ms. Mary Wakuu warned local politicians of doing campaigns without informing security agents.
Wakuu stated that all aspirants needed to get permits from police three days prior the campaign day so as to enable deployment of officers to provide security.
