NGO Takes Raila to Supreme Court, Alleges He Committed Electoral Offences

The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has filed a petition at the Supreme Court against National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga over violence witnessed in parts of the country during the October 26th repeat presidential election.

In its petition, the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) argues that Raila together with other Nasa leaders committed electoral offences by infringing on the rights of Kenyans to take part in a peaceful poll.

“The people of Kenya were entitled to participate in the Presidential election free from violence, intimidation, threats and interference with their right to vote,” reads part of the petition.

The NGO names Raila, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Amanu National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi, Siaya senator James Orengo and Bungoma Moses Wetang'ula as respondents in the petition. Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Attorney General Githu Muigai have been enjoined as interested parties.

Violence was witnessed in areas such Kawangaware and Kibera in Nairobi, Kisumu, Migori, Homabay and Siaya counties.

IDEG wants the apex court to declare that the five Nasa leaders jointly and severally committed election offences and engaged in serious electoral malpractices and or irregularities and that their actions violated the Rights of Citizens under Article 38 of the Constitution.

It also wants the court to find the leaders unfit to hold public office under chapter 6 and Article 137 of the Constitution and also be found liable for the loss and damage arising from acts of violence that took place during the election.