The defunct Electoral Commission led by Kivuitu was widely criticised, notably by Justice Kriegler Commission, which investigated the manner the last elections were conducted, hence the strong desire by the current body to avoid attracting similar, or worse criticism.
IIEC under Hassan during the 2010 referendum and several by-elections it conducted, especially the veracity of tallying in open centres with results streamed live on television as, and when received, and its time-saving capabilities.
Internal tussles
But it appears IEBC’s internal tussle following the pattern of Hassan-Oswago axis could have sapped the energies of the commission and diverted its focus. Hassan and the commissioners have been haggling over the position of CEO for the commission, which was supposed to have been advertised and filled with Oswago’s replacement by February.
Curiously, a voter, Nelson Ombima from Vihiga, is reported to have rushed to court, where he obtained orders blocking the commission from advertising the job.
The bad blood between Oswago and Hassan’s side follows claims that the CEO allegedly had been using his office to write newspaper articles to discredit the commission.
It is alleged the information in the articles were later traced to Oswago’s laptop in the commission office that was being used by his personal assistant, who has since been fired.
With the reinstatement of Oswago by the court, the commissioners are now forced to contend working with him.
Efforts to get Hassan or Oswago for comment were fruitless as their cell phones sounded switched off up to the time we went to press.
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