Ex-minister warns politicians against sparking poll violence

One-time Cabinet Minister Hussein Maalim Mohammed has called on politicians to ensure the August 8 election does not degenerate into violence.

"I urge Uhuru to accept defeat if he loses in the name of his father, who was our first president and Raila to do the same as he is an old man," he added.

Speaking at the Ewaso Ng'iro North Development Authority headquarters in Isiolo on Wednesday, Mr Mohammed, who served as Dujis MP between 1979 and 2002, noted the entire country was polarised, with politicians from all the six elective positions saying their side must win.

He is also the younger brother of former Chief of General Staff, General Mohammed Muhamud.

"Both Uhuru and Raila are saying they will be the winners. At the county level, the situation is the same," said Mohammed.

The former minister said a majority of Kenyans had lost confidence with IEBC, citing the court cases it had faced, adding that it would redeem its image if it conducts free and fair elections.

"Even America has problems in its electoral process, but IEBC must ensure that it conducts a free and fair election where the outcome will be acceptable to all sides," he urged.

Both NASA and JP presidential contenders, he said, should accept defeat if they consider the outcome of the poll as fair and free and if not so, go to court.

He told Uhuru and Raila there was life after politics.

"I stepped down (in 2002). Life outside politics is also very good as we are serving Kenyans in other capacities and giving our families more quality time," he said.

Mohammed, now chairman of Ewaso Ng'iro North Development Authority, said political temperatures were rising in the counties, including his Garissa home county.

He said leaders of rival camps at the county level must prevail on their supporters not to fight and accept the outcome of the polls.

"There is an even bigger problem at the county level. This is because all the camps want to be in leadership to control the billions of shillings. I advise them to conduct their campaigns peacefully and not to engage in violence," noted Mohammed.