IEBC refutes claims that military aided ‘theft’ of CORD victory

CORD leader Raila Odinga.

By Standard Digital reporter

Nairobi, Kenya: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Monday refuted claims by CORD leader Raila Odinga that the military were involved in theft of votes during March 4 General Election.

The commission, at the same time challenged Raila to substantiate his claim or withdraw and apologise.

While addressing a CORD rally at the Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu town at the weekend, Raila alleged that President Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto used military personnel to eject CORD supporters from the Bomas of Kenya, which was the national tallying centre for the presidential election, to enable Jubilee clinch victory.

IEBC termed the allegations false and untimely, saying “they should have been raised during the court petition, if at all they had any basis.”

“It is malicious, disparaging and utter lies that the military were in Bomas for whatever purpose and neither did IEBC aid any electoral malpractice,” said IEBC in a statement.

The Commission said it only engaged Kenya Police and their GSU counterparts to provide security for everyone at the Bomas of Kenya.

Responding to the claim of ejecting eject CORD supporters, the electoral Commission said: “There was no incident of ejecting people from the tallying centre. All agents were relocated to avoid obstructing the election officials from undertaking their duties.”

While condemning the utterance, IEBC emphasised issuing falsehood must be deterred by all means within the law.

“It is hard for anyone to believe that the many election observers and agents who had their eyes on every stage of the polling exercise failed to notice and to report such a serious crime if indeed it was committed.”