IEBC Can't Guarantee a Credible Election, Tough Talking Chairman Wafula Chebukati Says

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati says that he cannot guarantee the October 26th election will be credible because the commission is divided along partisan lines.

In a strong statement issued on Wednesday at the Bomas of Kenya, Chebukati asked officials adversely mentioned in bungling the August 8th election to step aside and allow the project team he appointed to preside over the repeat election.

"I call upon staff who have been adversely mentioned to step aside," he said.

Chebukati revealed how his operations has been thwarted by the majority of commissioners, who throw out every decision he makes towards ensuring a free, fair and credible election.

"If we cannot disagree and remain friends, then the foundation of our friendship is shaken. As a lawyer, I cannot continue to be pushed by the majority of the commissioners," he warned, as he addressed the press, at the Bomas of Kenya.

Although he ruled out resigning from the commission, Chebukati was categorical that he will not go down as the presidential returning officer who plunged the country into crisis.

"Resignation would be the easiest thing but I am determined to make this work. I will not go down as the Chairman who plunged the country into a deeper crisis,".

"Let me and my commission do our job and we will deliver, continue interfering and we will remain stuck as a country. I will not allow anyone to destroy this country as long as I am the referee of this contest,".

He further invited National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga and the Jubilee presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta for talks that he will referee.

Chebukati said he is giving a yellow card to all political parties and stated that he will not tolerate threats on IEBC staff from both sides of the political divide.

"As the referee of this election I am extending an open hand to the presidential candidates for dialogue. We are the hope of Africa and we must display this in every aspect of our existence. I'm giving a yellow card to all the political leaders in this country. Kenyans are paying a lot of money for this election & as their custodian I will not let the money of the Kenyan people go to waste,".

Wafula Chebukati said that the commission is operationally prepared to conduct the elections on October 26th.

On Dr. Roselyn Akombe's resignation, Chebukati said that she was one of the best mind the Commission had, adding that her thoughts will be missed.