By Winnie Kamau
The Chairman of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Wafula Chebukati has reassured Kenyans that the Electoral Body was confident to hold and deliver credible fresh elections slated for tomorrow, 26th October 2017.
Chebukati who had previously sent doubts to the nation through a press briefing had said that the Commission was not confident enough to hold a credible Election.
Addressing the press Chebukati raised concerns of how his staff had been harassed with one having his house burned torched down “The innocent Kenyans who have signed up as the staff of IEBC to serve the nation never for one minute expected that the job would be a risk to their lives. Only last week the house of one of my staff was burnt down to ashes by people up till a few weeks ago were friendly neighbors”.
In the recent day’s demonstrations have been held in the country that was ordered by the Opposition Leader, Raila Odinga that have led to the loss of over 50 lives. Raila also withdrew his candidature for the elections citing that he wanted a free and fair election with reforms being made in the Electoral body, IEBC.
The Chairman noted that all returning officers who had issues during the last August 8th General Elections were taken through the disciplinary process and administrative action taken in compliance with Human Resource Policy and Procedure manual.
Just today Justice, George Odunga made a controversial ruling declaring the gazettement of Returning Officers illegal but never quashed their legitimacy. In his statement, Chebukati noted, “The learned Judge has not invalidated the appointment of Returning Officers and their deputies; neither has he found the gazettement illegal”.
Chebukati also assured Kenyans “All polling stations will open tomorrow at 6 am for Kenyans to exercise their democratic right”.
Meanwhile opposition leader , Raila Odinga has called upon his supporters to boycott the election terming it as incredible.
