Armed gang raids Wiper party offices

By Cyrus Ombati

NAIROBI, KENYA: Armed robbers raided the Wiper Democratic Party headquarters in Nairobi and carted away 20 computers and other crucial documents.

The gang scaled a perimeter wall into the compound of the party along Othaya Road in Lavington before they held two guards who were on duty hostage and tied them in their sentry box. 

They then used crowbars to break into the offices where they ransacked and later escaped with the computers.

Party Chairman David Musila accused their political opponents of the raid, which occurred on Sunday at about 1.20am.

“The men were armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols and their aim was to steal the computers. Police are on the case and we hope they will solve it,” said Musila.

He said they suspect the raid was carried out by their political rivals and urged for speedy investigation and recovery of the stolen property.

Probe launched

Police spent the better part of yesterday at the offices dusting the affected areas for fingerprints as part of their investigation.

Nairobi Area police boss Moses Ombati said no arrest or recovery had been made so far.

He said police are still talking to the guards who were on duty.

Party leader and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka is this Friday set to meet all aspirants ahead of the General Election.

Kalonzo has invited all the aspirants and grassroots leaders from Ukambani region on Friday in Machakos ahead of the nominations slated for January 10.

The VP, according to party officials, will use the occasion to reassure all aspirants that no one will be favoured during the nominations and that the exercise will be carried out in a fair and free manner.

Nomination strategy

Kalonzo, who will be Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s running mate in the March 4 polls under the Cord alliance, will use the occasion to highlight to party members how the coalition will work during the coming elections.

Wiper party, which is in the Cord Alliance has exclusive rights to field candidates in its stronghold of Ukambani, with Raila’s party retaining the same rights in Luo Nyanza. All aspirants from the positions of County representatives, Women representatives, MPs, senator and governor have been invited.

The meeting will also discuss the best method of conducting the nominations with some aspirants supporting a collegiate system while others want universal suffrage.