Chebukati Claims Four IEBC Commissioners Who Rejected Presidential Results Wanted to Force a Re-Run

IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati claims the four commissioners who disputed the final presidential results announced on Monday were seeking a re-run.

In a statement on Wednesday, Chebukati said the four commissioners Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Justus Nyang’aya and Irene Masit demanded that he alters the results for purpose of forcing an election re-run contrary to their oath of office.

“…during a briefing meeting held on 15th August 2022 at around 3.00 pm before the final declaration of the presidential Election results, the four Commissioners i.e. Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Justus Nyang’aya and Irene Masit demanded that the Chairperson moderates the results for purpose of forcing an election Re-run contrary to their oath of office."

“This is tantamount to subverting the Constitution and the sovereign will of the People of Kenya. The Chairperson refused to yield to this unconstitutional and illegal demand and proceeded to declare the results of the Presidential Election as received from the polling stations, and contained in Form 34A, in accordance with the law,” said Chebukati.

Chebukati affirmed that the August 9th general election was the most transparent in the history of Kenya, given that all form 34As were uploaded on the public portal.

He indicated that all physical copies of forms 34As from 290 constituencies and one from diaspora were also brought physically to the National Returning Officer for tallying and verification with all presidential agents involved in the process.

He further dismissed allegations by the four commissioners that the presidential results were inflated to benefit the winner.

“The alleged 0.01 percent increase in the Presidential Election results raised by the four Commissioners namely Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Justus Nyang’aya and Irene Masit, is false and misleading,” he added.

Chebukati also refuted claims that denied the four access to the portal backend where the final tally was being conducted.

"Their duties were well defined in writing and allocated at the National Tally Center (NTC). They had access to all results beforehand and interchangeably announced them for six (6) days in full glare of live television," said Chebukati.

On Monday, Chebukati declared William Ruto as the winner of the presidential election after garnering 7,176,141 votes, representing 50.49 percent of the total votes cast.

Azimio coalition candidate Raila Odinga, who came in second with 6,942,930 votes, has since rejected the results and has vowed to challenge them in court.