IEBC sacks three returning officers over delays in opening polling stations

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has sacked three returning officers in Embakasi East, Westlands and Kasarani constituencies for opening polling stations late. A clerk who stamped ballots as rejected was also replaced.

“In some polling stations in Embakasi East, Kasarani and Westlands we have experienced delayed opening. We have immediately replaced the Returning Officers in these three constituencies and deployed commissioners," IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said

According to Chebukati, the move was meant to ensure that voters were not inconvenienced and that elections were conducted to the highest standards possible.

Chebukati assured residents that commissioners will supervise the exercise and would not hesitate to take stern action to ensure officials toe the line.

The IEBC chaiman also said voting was going on well countrywide save for a few centres that were still experiencing challenges which the commission was working to address.

“We are aware of reports that in some cases, identification of voters took longer than expected while some officers had challenges switching on the KIEMS kits. Our clerks have also been instructed to use alphanumeric identification, whereby they key in the voter ID number into the IEBC platform to confirm registration,” he added.

Wajir, Eldas, Isiolo, Dadaab, Borabu and Fafi areas experienced technical issues at the start of voting but the commission has deployed extra ICT officers to resolve the technicalities.

Chebukati urged all party agents to work with Presiding Officers to address issues specific to the polling stations that they are observing.

IEBC issued telephone hotlines 1527, 1537, 1538 and 1539 through which citizens can raise any concerns regarding conduct of its officers. They will not be charged for calling those lines