Governor Mutua blames his opponents for voter bribery in Machakos

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua address a press conference on 1/5/2017. Photo by Edward Kiplimo.

Governor Alfred Mutua has raised a red flag over alleged voter bribery in at least six out of the eight electoral constituencies in Machakos County.

In a press briefing at his office in Machakos town on Monday, Mutua sensationally claimed he had information that certain people suspected to be working with his opponents had been bribing voters on Sunday night.

Mutua claimed voter bribery was ongoing in Kathiani, Masinga, Yatta, Mwala, Mavoko and Machakos Town constituencies.

“We have reports that there has been a lot of bribing and intimidation going on during the night in Machakos. We have been told that people are being bundled into groups and given Sh200 and told to vote for our opponents,” said Mutua adding that his agents had been approached in order to sell him out.

Mutua said although he was ready for the elections, it was wrong for any candidate to get involved in voter bribery. “The use of money to bribe voters is an election offense and I urge our people not to agree to be bought with Sh200 and to stay forever without essential services,” said Dr Mutua.

Mutua, who is defending his seat on Maendeleo Chap Chap party ticket, will be battling it out with former Kathiani MP, Wavinya Ndeti who is seeking to unseat him through a Wiper ticket.

However, Mutua said he had raised the matter with the relevant authorities and urged his supporters and agents to remain vigilant and report any cases of irregularities.

“I would like to say that we have put measures in place and overnight we will have patrols across the county to ensure that anybody who bribing voters will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

He urged all candidates to be ready to accept the verdict of the voters and not indulge in any acts which may trigger violence. “These elections are not a matter of life and death. So if somebody loses just go home and chill, Kenyans want peace and stability,’ he said.

Mutua will be casting his vote Tuesday 10 am at Mathatani Primary School in Machakos Town constituency while Wavinya Ndeti is expected to vote at Makandara polling center in Mavoko.