Did Karua Help Kibaki 'Rig' in 2007? Kabando Speaks Out

Former Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando. [Source/The Star]

Former Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando has come out to defend Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua after a section of Kenyans dragged her name into the 2007-08 Post Election Violence (PEV) cases.

On Tuesday, Karua became a target of harsh online criticism as some netizens accused her of aiding retired President Mwai Kibaki to allegedly rig the 2007 polls which led to the outbreak of violence that left over 1,300 people dead.

Kabando, who was an Assistant Minister when Karua served as Justice Minister in Kibaki's government, exonerated his former colleague claiming she was being linked to PEV due to her strong opposition to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Taking to his Twitter account, the former legislator heaped Karua with praises saying she is incorruptible and bold, and is among pioneer women to win back to back elections in parliamentary contests.

"We disagreed (with) MarthaKarua on exiting Cabinet, didn’t support her 2013 quest. But shall say times without count; Martha is neither corrupt nor a coward. Of 2007, Justice Kriegler didn’t say who won! Tantrums, desperation, trivia, lies #BBINonsense camp won’t silence us. It’s a ‘NO’!" he said on Tuesday night.

"Trolling Martha Karua becoz she's opposed to BBI lies is cowardly. Disagree with her but stop insults, malice, vindictiveness, vendetta. Martha did 4 straight terms MP democratically elected. Bold Martha is amongst Kenya's trailblazers. BBI deception has fallen coz it is FRAUD," Kabando added.

While responding to her critics, Karua said the Kriegler report noted there was vote exaggeration by both Kibaki and his rival Raila Odinga's supporters at some polling stations, and not at national tally at the KICC where she was the President's agent.

"Absolutely no apologies for being Kibaki’s agent at KICC a tallying center where Raila Odinga had James Orengo as his agent. I do not need forgiveness from any one nor will ever seek any for being his agent and supporter then," the Narc-Kenya boss said.

Former Mandera Central MP Abdikadir Hussein Mohamed, lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, economist David Ndii and activists Ndung'u Wainaina, Jerotich Seii and Boniface Mwangi were some of renowned Kenyans who also jumped to Karua's defence.