Ikanga/Kyatune MCA and Wiper Patriotic Front Organising Secretary for Kitui South, Hon. Cyrus Musyoka Sonko, has condemned what he described as growing political intolerance, intimidation and violence in the constituency ahead of the next General Election.
In a statement seen by Hopkin Digital Media, Sonko alleged that a Wiper campaign team was attacked on Saturday while campaigning at Mutomo Junction, claiming that vehicles belonging to the team were stoned.
Those allegedly affected included Wiper parliamentary candidate Antony Mutua Trump and Kitui County Wiper Women Representative aspirant Hon. Mbithe Mulinge.
Sonko said every political player should be allowed to campaign, sell their manifesto and engage voters without interference.
“Every politician has a right to sell their manifesto, engage voters and seek their support,” Sonko said, warning against what he described as the use of intimidation to silence political opponents.
The MCA also raised allegations concerning threats allegedly directed at his Ward Assistant, Nicholas Kivite, and his wife following political disagreements.
Sonko specifically mentioned Mirriam Mwikali, whom he claimed has publicly presented herself as a deputy and personal assistant to Kitui South MP Dr. Rachael Kaki Nyamai. He called on Mwikali to publicly distance herself from any acts of intimidation or violence and to apologise to Kivite and his family over the alleged threats.
The MCA further alleged that individuals identified as Katiwa, Musyoka Lina and Masemo Muthokoi confronted Kivite and allegedly warned him that Mwikali was their boss and that they would “deal with him.”
Sonko also alleged that threats of sexual violence had been directed at women in Ikanga/Kyatune Ward over their political affiliations, describing such threats as unacceptable.
“Women must never be threatened with sexual violence because of their political views or affiliations,” he said.
The allegations contained in Sonko’s statement have not been independently established. The individuals named in the statement have not given their responses in the statement seen by Hopkin Digital Media.
Sonko called on political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint and respect the law, saying political competition should be based on policies, manifestos and service delivery rather than intimidation.
“As the Organising Secretary of the Wiper Patriotic Front in Kitui South and the MCA for Ikanga/Kyatune Ward, I will continue to defend the democratic space of our people,” he said.
He urged all candidates and their supporters to allow residents of Kitui South to make their political choices freely and without fear.
“Let us compete through ideas, not violence,” Sonko said.
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