Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria has presented himself before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following summons over 2017 presidential elections vote-rigging allegations he made in favour of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Through his lawyer, Ndegwa Wahome he referenced the case of Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege, who had a similar situation before the IEBC but went to court to contest its authority.
Wahome suggested that the Committee take a break until the case before the court is properly heard and decided.
Kuria argued in his preliminary objection that the Commission should “put down its tools” until the subject of jurisdiction is properly heard and decided by the High Court.
He stated that they do not expect the Court to give any interim orders, noting that the charges brought against Kuria and Sabina are identical, and that it would be prudent to wait for the ruling.
At 12 pm, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebkati was anticipated to make a decision on the subject.
On March 15, Kuria stated that he and other political leaders helped Uhuru secure victory in both elections through dubious means.
“Some are saying the Mt Kenya vote will be divided. Ann Waiguru, Rigathi Gachagua, Muthomi Njuki, Kimani Ichung’wa, Senator Linturi, Alice Wahome, Faith Gitau, Kimani wa Matangi…we are the people who guarded Uhuru’s votes, and we are the ones who stole the election. (Kuna wengine wanasema ati kura ya mlima itagawanywa; mheshimiwa Ann Waiguru, Rigathi Gachagua, Muthomi Njuki, Kimani Ichung’wa, Senator Linturi, Alice Wahome, Faith Gitau, Kimani wa Matangi…Sisi ndio tulikuwa tukishikilia Uhuru kura, na sisi ndio tulikuwa tunamuibia kura),” Kuria said.
Through a statement, Chebukati, who also serves as the commission’s Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee secretary summoned Kuria before the committee on March 30.
“The commission is seized of a report and material against yourself in regard to violation of Clause 6 (a) and 6(i) of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
“You are hereby required to attend the offices of the commission at Anniversary Towers, Commission Boardroom 6th Floor on Wednesday the 30th day of March, 2022 at 10:00 o’clock,” Chebukati said.
His controversial utterances emanate from alleged betrayal by the President who he accused of sidelining Deputy President William Ruto and his allies despite being the team that propelled him to State House.
During the event, Kuria further affirmed that the vote-rich Mt Kenya region would unanimously back the DP just like was the case when they rallied behind the UhuRuto government in 2013.
