By Robert Mutasi 
Several Ward Representatives in Uasin Gishu County have condemned politicians accused of using armed youths to disrupt political rallies of their opponents.
The leaders, who met in Eldoret on Tuesday, said the practice violates constitutional rights, fuels tension and threatens peace and democracy in the country.
Led by Ng’enyilel Ward Representative Benjamin Natui, the leaders called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the National Police Service to arrest and prosecute all those involved, regardless of status or political affiliation.
“Stop using our youth”Natui said they are concerned by the rising number of incidents where political meetings are being disrupted across the county and the country.
“We condemn everyone involved in this bad behavior,” Natui said. “Whether it is the citizen who was used or the leader who used that citizen, it is time for action to be taken. All of them equally.”
He added that citizens also have a role to play by reporting those responsible to security agencies so they can be investigated and prosecuted.
“We have the DCI, and we have our police, and various officers. Let them take action. And even we as citizens can be witnesses. And it is us who can give information to those officers so it can be followed up and action taken,” Natui said.
Plea for justice for persons with disabilities
Nominated Ward Representative Regina Chumba, who also serves with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, urged the government to enforce the law without bias.
Chumba said political violence has led to the deaths of young people, while others have been left with permanent disabilities.
“We have seen some of our youth lose their lives, others have become persons with disabilities. In that situation, a person’s life cannot continue the way it was supposed to,” she said.
“As a leader, and as a leader for persons with disabilities, I reject this. I am asking all leaders that in whatever way possible, let us not use our youth. More importantly, we are saying as the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, many people have already become disabled and we have not even helped those who are already disabled. We do not need more people. Especially the youth, we are investing in them,” Chumba said.
The leaders’ statements come at a time when reports of disrupted political meetings have increased in recent months.
Article 38 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees every citizen the right to participate in political activities, including attending political meetings without fear.
The Uasin Gishu leaders said failure by security agencies to act against those responsible is encouraging more politicians to use violence.
They concluded by calling on both national and county leaders to embrace issue-based politics and respect instead of using force.
As of press time, the Uasin Gishu County Police Commander had not issued a statement on any arrests made in connection to the disruptions.
Baraka Simba