ICT CS Mucheru Hits Back at Ruto's Team over Vote Rigging Claims
ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has dismissed election rigging claims by Deputy President William Ruto’s camp.
On Thursday, Ruto’s presidential campaign secretariat led by its director-general Governor Josphat Nanok questioned Mucheru’s decision to publicly declare support for the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga.
Nanok alleged that Mucheru was planning to influence the conduct and outcome of the August 9th presidential election in favor of Odinga.
He cited Mucheru ICT ministry’s key role in providing a technological framework for IEBC to conduct digital registration, tallying, and transmission of election results electronically.
But in a rejoinder, CS Mucheru said it is within his right to support Odinga, adding that the deputy president’s camp is trying to find excuses after sensing defeat.
"I saw the polls have come out today and maybe the numbers are not looking good and people are looking for excuses. I am a minister and I am allowed to endorse a candidate I choose," Mucheru stated.
He insisted that his ministry’s engagement with IEBC cannot interfere with the credibility of the elections.
"We provide policy and assistance to IEBC. For networks, they get it from the telecom operators and broadcast from the media. I don't know where this idea is coming from. I will not even respond formally and I do not also expect IEBC to question me," he added.
Mucheru also questioned why Ruto and his allies are uncomfortable with him supporting Odinga yet he campaigned with the deputy president during the 2017 elections.
"One of my bosses is running and they are saying that I have more capabilities than he does and yet he is the sitting Deputy President. Is it me or him who has more resources? They should focus on themselves and their campaigns,” he said.
"In 2017, we were campaigning together. Why is it now that it is seeming different yet in 2017 it was okay? If it is investigating, then they should investigate his office.”