Politicians trade verbal punches over ‘missing’ army spokesman

Nairobi. A war words ensued yesterday pitting Kenyan opposition coalition National Super Alliance (Nasa) and ruling Jubilee party leaders over claims that the Kenya Defence Forces spokesman Joseph Owuoth had gone missing.

The man himself said he was well and at work after reports of his alleged disappearance circulated across the country, sending new fears  following the mysterious killing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) IT expert Chris Msando at the weekend.

Col Owuoth  told the Nation that he was OK and “working” moments after his kin claimed he could not be traced. Nasa leaders had already called a press conference to speak about the allegations.

“I’m okay and I don’t know where these reports are coming from. I’m okay and at work,” he said.

The Nasa presidential campaign team in Nyanza, led by legislators Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Oburu Oginga (nominated MP), Senators Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay), MPs Aduma Owuor (Nyakach) and Fred Outa (Nyando) had , at a press conference in Kisumu town, alleged that Col Owuoth had been sent on compulsory leave and could not be traced by his family.

Reported to the police

The claims were backed by Col Owuoth’s sister Elizabeth who said she had reported to the police about her missing brother. She did not disclose the police station where she reported the matter.

But Kisumu County police boss Titus Yoma said he was not aware of such a report.

“I am not aware of the report. I have no information about that rumour,” Mr Yoma said.

At the news conference held at Nyanza Club in Kisumu, Prof Nyong’o had said: “Information we have is that Col JM Owuoth was sent on compulsory leave and ordered to go back to his rural home in Koru.”

He said, according to Col Owuoth’s sister Elizabeth, they were in constant communication with the brother until Monday.But Jubilee politicians cautioned Nasa leaders against making “unsubstantiated statements.”

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale said Nasa knew they would lose the elections, and were now engaging in “systematic propaganda.”

He said: “The contest in the General Election is about the future of Kenya. So, we are telling the opposition, you have seven days to sell your ideas. You should not sell lies, propaganda and ethnic hatred among Kenyans.”

“As far as we are concerned, Kenya is safe, the elections will continue and the people of Kenya will make a choice.”

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said: “Nasa is desperately looking for an excuse to explain their impending spectacular defeat.”

“Their narrative signals that Nasa are not ready to concede defeat next week,” added Mr Murkomen.

Senate Majority whip Beatrice Elachi accused Nasa leaders of setting the country on a wrong footing. “Let Nasa stop politicising issues as this could lead to violence and return us back to the dark days of 2007/2008. I want to plead with leaders across the board to preach peace as we get to the polls,” Ms Elachi said.

Col Owuoth planted himself in the middle of controversy after Nasa principals tabled documents alleging that the military was planning an operation that could ensure Jubilee remains in power no matter the results of the elections.

The operation, according to the documents, includes shutting down electricity and water supplies to certain areas, deploying new recruits to control crowds, deploying regime-friendly commanders and other exercises the opposition claimed would see their supporters choose not to vote. Col Owuoth later confirmed the documents were genuine but accused the politicians of quoting a legitimate operation out of context to gain political mileage.

Later, though, Defense Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo disowned the documents, saying she had not seen them and that the KDF was not plotting anything outside the law.(NMG)