Disband IEBC after Jicho Pevu expose, CORD leaders demand

By Ngumbao Kithi and Joackim Bwana

Kenya: Nine CORD members now want the Government to investigate the massive flaws in the last General Election as exposed by the KTN Jicho Pevu investigative series.

CORD Minority Leader Francis Nyenze said Kenyans were shocked at results announced at the Bomas of Kenya, which were different from what came out at the polls.

“The issues raised are too serious and give a great concern on the credibility of IEBC. This country cannot have such an institution that handles elections like this, the truth is that IEBC must go home,” he said. He also said CORD is strong and denied claims it was facing serious challenges in its leadership. “I lead the coalition from the front, I am in control of what happens in and outside Parliament,” he said.

The nine were Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze, Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and (Deputy Chief Whip), Funyula MP Paul Otuoma, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Kisumu West MP Olago Oluoch,  Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu, Mvita MP Abulswamad Nassir, Mwingi West MP Bernard Kitungi, Oburu Odinga (Nominated).

Manual registration

Nyenze said the General Election was a huge exercise that needed trust worthy individuals.

 He said the claims that the IEBC failed to use the biometric machines and decided to go for the manual registration was unacceptable.

The nine are members of the Parliamentary Committee on investment, who are meeting at the Whitesands Beach resort.

Nyenze also castigated the National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale for claiming the best place for terrorists to drop bombs could be Machakos.

He said the statement had angered the Kamba community and demanded that the Government takes action.

“This man seems to know the people behind terror attacks,” he said.  Otuoma said the statement issued by Suna MP Junet Mohamed was his own and claimed he was not the spokesman of Raila Odinga. However, Otuoma did not reveal what statement Mohamed had made to warrant such a comment.

Oburu Odinga said, as Raila’s brother he could not speak for the latter. “I might know what could be happening with him but I cannot claim to be speaking for him,” he said.

Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir described the Jicho Pevu investigative series as shocking and the only solution is to disband the IEBC.

 He said the inconsistencies as shown on the TV programme disappointed majority of Kenyans and dented IEBC’s credibility. He said it would be unfortunate to allow it handle elections in future, and the only solution was to send IEBC packing.

Serious consultations

“I am wondering why Jubilee members are supporting this monster IEBC, which can turn against them anytime. The IEBC has a problem and we must deal with it,” he said.

He praised the Jicho Pevu team for airing the series and letting Kenyans judge for themselves. He said CORD was stronger than before and there are serious consultations before issues are raised to the public.