IEBC Pushes for Investigations of Officials Accused of Bungling October 26th Repeat Election

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has welcomed Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko to probe allegations by a group of observers that there were anomalies in the October 26th repeat presidential election.

Last week, a section of civil society groups who observed the repeat election claimed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials, especially in Garissa County made deliberate errors during vote tallying.

The groups, under the banner Kura Yangu, Sauti Yangu claimed the existence of differences in number of registered voters and votes cast as well as inflation of votes by poll officials.

“We invite your office to undertake apt investigations on the allegations to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and subsequently institute criminal prosecution of any of the officials found culpable,” IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati said in a letter to DPP Tobiko Keriako, dated November 3.

Chebukati particularly mentioned cases in Garissa Township constituency in Garissa County, where the observers alleged poll officials manipulated votes, specifically at ASK Showground polling centre and Bolargy Primary School polling centre.

“These allegations, if substantiated, would be in violation of section 6 of the Act,” the Kura Yangu Sauti Yangu group said.

Chebukati called on IEBC manager mandated with Investigations and Prosecutions matters Mr Crispine Owiye, to collaborate with the DPP office over the allegations.

“I confirm our commitment to cooperate to expedite the investigations,” Chebukati said.