ODM faults government's involvement in Uganda's elections

NRM Presidential Candidate President Yoweri Museveni and Kenya Deputy President William Ruto campaigning in Uganda

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has faulted the Government for participating in the Uganda elections slated for Thursday next week.

The party's director of elections, Suna East Junet Mohamed, spoke for the party noting the Government is violating democratic rights of Ugandans.

"We remain deeply concerned about the involvement of the Government of Kenya in the on-going Ugandan Presidential election campaigns in support of incumbent President Yoweri Museveni," Junet said.

He added, "For the last two days, a team led by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and which includes Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago, Endebbes MP Robert Pukose and Farouk Kibet, a personal assistant to Deputy President William Ruto, have traversed Sebei region of Uganda campaigning for President Museveni."

Junet said the team yesterday contributed Sh6 million at two different venues allegedly for development of schools.

"These developments are disturbing indeed. The blatant involvement of our government in the politics of a neighbouring country in a clearly partisan way undermines our integrity as a nation and our economic and security standing in the region in future," Junet said.

The MP said the involvement goes against the tenets of good neighbourliness and the spirit of the East African Co-operation (EAC).

"Even more disturbing is the use of public resources of the people of Kenya to campaign for the incumbent of a neighbouring country who is facing strong and credible opposition by worthy rivals," Junet lamented.

He noted that the involvement raises questions as to what happens if Opposition leaders Kizza Besigye or Amama Mbabazi were to win.

"Kenya's involvement in Uganda elections also sets a dangerous precedent that will see incumbents openly rally behind each other in total disregard for the thinking and feelings of the voting population's views and feelings," Junet said.

He added, "We demand that President Uhuru Kenyatta explains to Kenyans the logic behind the involvement of his government in Uganda's election campaigns and what it means for our country. We also need clarity on the source and purpose of money being contributed by the Kenyan team at Uganda elections."