Written By John Mutiso 📝
Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has expressed concern over the increasing number of money launderers commonly referred to as ‘wash wash’ gangs seeking elective posts ahead of the August 9, general elections.
Matiang’i stated during a forum of stakeholders in the criminal justice system on Tuesday, May 10, that money launderers, also known as wash wash gangs, are exploiting the country’s weak financial state to manipulate the electoral process by compromising the voter.
According to the CS, this move would plunge the country into chaos, with leaders being members of criminal gangs.
“We could end up laundering criminals of unprecedented standards into our elective offices. We might have over 40 per cent of elected officeholders becoming our leaders if we allow all the ‘wash wash’ gangs and other criminals to bribe their way in the coming elections,” Matiang’i warned.
The CS also identified the abuse of social media as another concern for election security and credibility, expressing frustrations with the process of prosecuting suspects in social media abuse cases.
He cited easy access to bonds as a major deterrent to the vice.
“We have the challenge of multiple bonds issued by our courts. Some of the people who have been arrested are enjoying their eighth, ninth or tenth bond. This, of course, does little to deter others from engaging an army of bloggers to character assassinate others,” he added.
CS Matiang’i blamed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the weak regulatory framework on campaign financing, claiming that an ideal tough legal administration would necessitate a multi-sectoral approach.
The Elections Act was recently amended by the National Assembly to remove sections that sought to limit the amount of money a candidate could spend while running for an elective seat.
Among those who attended the event alongside Dr. Matiang’i were Chief Justice Martha Koome, National Cohesion and Integration Commission boss Rev Dr. Samuel Kobia and IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Noordin Haji, the Inspector General of Police, Hilary Mutyambai, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Brig (Rtd) John Warioba, DCI boss, George Kinoti were also in attendance.
