By Eliud Owalo
I have received numerous distress calls from ODM supporters from far and wide that one of the party’s strongest aspirants for the Ruaraka parliamentary seat Mr. Jim Clement Ayungo has been missing for two days with some reports indicating that he is being held in police custody in Kisumu.
I wish to take this early opportunity to strongly condemn the illegal detention of Mr. Ayungo by police and call for his immediate and unconditional release.
It is no crime under the laws of Kenya for anyone to condemn or warn of election rigging. I have myself repeatedly said that anyone with any planned attempt to subvert the will of the people in 2017 should also make plans to deal with the consequences of their plans. For the avoidance of doubt, I want to reiterate that this will not be negotiable or subject to the whimsical rulings of any court.
The police who should serve and protect the interests of the Kenyan public are doing themselves a great disservice by agreeing to be used by the ruling establishment to intimidate opposition activists. Sadly, it will reach a point where the public shall loose confidence in the police just as they have already lost confidence and patience with the morbidly corrupt Jubilee administration.
The independence and credibility of the police force is hinged on them conducting their activities within the ambit of the law but not outside of it.
Mr. Ayungo has demonstrated rare bravery and loyalty in speaking against electoral rigging and we stand in total solidarity with him and his remarks.
