Murang’a gubernatorial aspirant, Irungu Nyakera has challenged security officers to arrest and prosecute people who destroyed his campaign vehicles and left scores of his supporters injured.
Speaking after he was cleared to vie for Murang’a governorship on Saturday, Nyakera accused police of delaying in apprehending the hooligans behind the chaos that happened three weeks ago at Gaturi ward.
He said failure to arrest and charge the culprits will set a bad precedent as it will allow supporters of various candidates engineer chaos with impunity.
The chaos erupted when Nyakera’s supporters clashed with those of his opponent, Wairagu wa Maai at Gatheru trading centre during a campaign trail.
Seven people were injured and campaign vehicles damaged with police arresting one suspect who was arraigned in court and released on a Sh100, 000 bond.
Nyakera observed that some of the people behind the chaos are walking freely despite claims by the police that the suspects were at large.
“The people who caused the chaos are well known, they are moving freely in Murang’a town and yet police claim the key suspects are large. I demand the perpetrators of the chaos be apprehended and face the law as failure to that will set a bad precedent now that the official campaign period has started,” added Nyakera.
He stated after they were cleared, each candidate is supposed to sign a code of conduct which requires them to conduct peaceful elections.
“My appeal is to all candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns. Let’s sell our manifestoes and avoid incitement, insults or maligning other people’s names,” he advised.
Nyakera was accompanied by his running mate Catherine Mugo, where they promised to sell their agenda peacefully and exuded confidence about winning the gubernatorial election come August 9.
Other gubernatorial candidates who have been cleared by the IEBC include Wairagu wa Maai who is vying on Democratic Party ticket and Jamleck Kamau of Jubilee Party.
“We are happy to have been cleared to vie for the seat and we have been issued with a certificate as an assurance we shall be on the ballot paper come August 9,” said the Farmers’ Party Candidate.
Nyakera said if he clinches the seat, he will fulfill all the promises he has been making to Murang’a people ranging from agriculture, health and job creation.
On her part Ms Mugo said they will ensure rights and welfare of women and youth will be taken care of in their administration, calling Murang’a people to support them.
