Deploy Military Officers During Next Week's Elections, Presidential Candidate Ekuru Aukot Tells Uhuru

Thirdway Alliance presidential candidate Dr Ekuru Aukot has urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to seek parliament's approval to deploy Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to maintain security during next week's repeat presidential voting.

Speaking to Citizen TV's Jeff Koinange Live show on Wednesday, Aukot, who was among lawyers who drafted the new constitution, said that the President is allowed by the constitution to deploy the military with the approval from parliament.

Aukot said that the military would help avert the recent witnessed attacks on IEBC officials in opposition strongholds of Migori, Siaya and Kisumu during the presidential elections next week.

" What I can advise President Uhuru is to seek approval from parliament and deploy the military during voting. The recent attacks on IEBC officials are serious and the services of the army could be needed to protect Kenyas willing to vote,".

On the recent developments at IEBC, Aukot said that, while Dr Roselyn Akombe had the right to resign from the electoral commission, the timing of the exit was wrong.

"We have entertained mediocrity in our country and that's why I think even the timing of Roselyn Akombe’s resignation was irresponsible and convenient only to herself. She didn't do it for the country. Only mediocre run away from crisis instead of resolving them," added Aukot.

Aukot also asked President Uhuru not to assent to the recent amendment bills on electoral laws passed by Parliament.