Police probe vandalism of Kanu billboards

Kanu candidate for the Kericho Senatorial seat Mr. Paul Sang speaks in Siret trading center. Police in Kericho are investigating an incident whereby alleged hired goons vandalised a costly billboard belonging Paul Sang

Police are investigating an incident where a billboard belonging to Kanu was vandalised.

The billboard, rallying support for Kericho Senatorial seat candidate Paul Sang (below), had been placed strategically along the Kericho– Nakuru highway near Duka Moja trading centre, 3km from Kericho town.

Kericho Officer Commanding Police Division Kipkemoi Rop said they recorded witnesses' statements and were tracking the suspects.

"Vandalism is a serious crime, which cannot be entertained. We have launched investigations into the matter and we believe we are going to have a breakthrough soon," he said.

County Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Returning Officer Moses Sunkuli said Kanu officials had informed him of the electoral offence allegedly committed by a group of youths donning T-shirts of a newly-formed political party.

"We have asked the party (Kanu) to forward to the commission a formal complaint providing  on the time, where and what happened. From there, we can formally launch investigations into the matter," he said.

Speaking separately, Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto asked Jubilee to give residents space to exercise their democratic right.

The March 7 by-election is expected to be a bruising battle between Sang and Jubilee Party candidate Aaron Cheruiyot.

Kipkelion West MP Jackson Rop urged residents to back Mr Cheruiyot, saying the Government had lined up roads, referral hospital and technical training institutes among several development projects.

"The Government is committed to deliver several development projects and the residents have no reason to opt to go to any other party other than Jubilee," Mr Rop said.

Former Kipkelion MP Magerer Langat accused some legislators from Rift Valley of misadvising Deputy President William Ruto.

"Some leaders are feeding the Deputy President outright lies. We are asking the Deputy President to give an ear to other leaders so that he can have a clear picture of the real situation on the ground," he said.