The move to ban politicians from engaging in Harambee’s ahead of 2017 general elections has been received with mixed reactions by Kenyans and politicians.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) wants that, effective from Wednesday 7 th 2016, all politicians halt taking part in giving ceremonies (Harambee’s).
Banning politicians from attending Harambees, the IEBC alleged that politicians use such platforms to bribe voters, which qualifies as an electoral offence.
The first to express anger over the decision was Kenya African National Union (KANU) man and West Pokot Senator, John Lonyangapuo.
The Senator, who was speaking at Kaptabuk Secondary School where he donated a school bus, said the IEBC should sleep over the decision and critically re-think on banning politicians.
Lonyangapuo rejected the decision by IEBC to ban politicians from attending Harambee’s when he was speaking during a Harambee in his county on Saturday, December 4.
The Senator Lonyangapuo claimed the Harambee’s were a crucial part of development to the counties.
“Kenyans are used to things we call Harambees. It is a tradition, and it is not the first time these Harambees are being held,” said Lonyangapuo.
“IEBC should look at ways of revising the law,” said the Senator.