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State funds 'abused for Kibaki' State funds 'abused for Kibaki'
(about 6 hours later)
Kenyan ministers and top civil servants are using state resources to campaign for President Mwai Kibaki in next week's election, a report says.Kenyan ministers and top civil servants are using state resources to campaign for President Mwai Kibaki in next week's election, a report says.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights lists 16 ministers and says they should pay for their use of state cars and aircraft for campaigning.The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights lists 16 ministers and says they should pay for their use of state cars and aircraft for campaigning.
Finance Minister Amos Kimunya described the report as baseless and biased.Finance Minister Amos Kimunya described the report as baseless and biased.
After five years in power, Mr Kibaki faces a strong challenge from Raila Odinga in the 27 December poll.After five years in power, Mr Kibaki faces a strong challenge from Raila Odinga in the 27 December poll.
The report found more than 140 occasions when state resources were used for electioneering.The report found more than 140 occasions when state resources were used for electioneering.
Human Rights Commission chairman Maina Kiai also wants the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) to take action.
'Still Behaving Badly''Still Behaving Badly'
The ECK's Jack Tumwa said they had noted the use of government resources in favour of the president but the law limits the actions they can take. Last week, the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) accused the state broadcaster, KBC, of skewed coverage in favour of Mr Kibaki.
Lucy Kibaki was criticised for handing out cash at a rally"We operate within certain laws," he told the BBC. A spokesman for Mr Kibaki's party told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme that such criticism was "erroneous".
Lucy Kibaki was criticised for handing out cash at a rally
"You must understand that KBC cover the Honourable Mwai Kibaki in two capacities - as head of state and as a candidate," said Dismas Mokua.
Human Rights Commission chairman Maina Kiai wants the ECK to take action on the reported abuse of state resources.
The ECK's Jack Tumwa said they had noted it but the law limits the actions they can take.
"We operate within certain laws," he told the BBC.
"We can only caution but it is frustrating if the people who are supposed to enforce the laws are breaking them.""We can only caution but it is frustrating if the people who are supposed to enforce the laws are breaking them."
KNCHR also condemned first lady Lucy Kibaki for openly dishing out cash to women during a political rally in Malindi at the weekend.KNCHR also condemned first lady Lucy Kibaki for openly dishing out cash to women during a political rally in Malindi at the weekend.
Officials named include key allies of the president such as Internal Security Minister John Michuki and his energy counterpart, Kiraitu Murungi.Officials named include key allies of the president such as Internal Security Minister John Michuki and his energy counterpart, Kiraitu Murungi.
"The use of government resources for partisan political engagements is blatant [ab]use of tax payer's money," Mr Kiai said."The use of government resources for partisan political engagements is blatant [ab]use of tax payer's money," Mr Kiai said.
The election monitoring report "Still Behaving Badly" says the ministers and civil servants were using government vehicles and aircrafts for distribution of campaign materials and ferrying them to rallies in support of the president.The election monitoring report "Still Behaving Badly" says the ministers and civil servants were using government vehicles and aircrafts for distribution of campaign materials and ferrying them to rallies in support of the president.
Some government vehicles have been issued with civil registration numbers to avoid detection, the report says.Some government vehicles have been issued with civil registration numbers to avoid detection, the report says.
Last week, the ECK accused the state broadcaster, KBC, of skewed coverage in favour of Mr Kibaki.
Will you be taking part in the election? On election day text us your observations to +44 7786 20 50 85 but please remember to tell us your name and where you are.Will you be taking part in the election? On election day text us your observations to +44 7786 20 50 85 but please remember to tell us your name and where you are.