President Uhuru unlikely to meet Chebukati over repeat election

A section of members of Jubilee Party Women Brigade, Mombasa chapter, salute before their meeting at the Mombasa showground in Nyali constituency on Sunday. The campaign meeting was organised by former Mombasa Deputy Governor Hazel Katana. [ Gideon Maundu, Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta is unlikely to meet electoral commission boss Wafula Chebukati today, if statements by Jubilee Party officials are anything to go by.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) continues to face some challenges in poll preparations, what with the push and pull between Jubilee Party and the National Super Alliance (NASA).

Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju on Sunday said the President had no reasons to meet Mr Chebukati, saying that if the commission had problems holding a credible poll, it should go to the Supreme Court for direction.

Chebukati had sent an invite to both Uhuru and Opposition leader Raila Odinga for a discussion. After meeting with Raila last Thursday, he expected to meet the President today.

“Whatever issues NASA has, what can we do about them? Nothing! The Supreme Court ordered we have the elections within 60 days so if NASA wants to boycott, they can proceed,” said Mr Tuju.

Major announcement

It has also emerged IEBC will today hold talks to assess security situation in perceived NASA strongholds with plans to postpone the election in some of the hostile areas over fears of attack on poll officials and destruction of materials.

IEBC Communication Manager Andrew Limo confirmed the planned meeting but did not provide details of the “actual agenda and people invited”.

IEBC has protested against attacks on poll officials and disruption of electoral training workshops in Kisumu and Siaya.

NASA leaders have declared they will not allow the process to take place in their areas, with Raila promising to make major announcement on the eve of the election.

On sunday, the commission invited presiding officers and their deputies for training in various parts of Nyanza after the initial schedule was interrupted by rowdy youth.

IEBC has been having challenges in recruiting officials after some of the individuals picked turned down the offer citing security threats.

Should there be many areas that cannot hold election due to security issues, IEBC will be forced not to declare the outcome of the repeat poll until the affected areas participate in the process.

According to the Constitution, presidential election must be conducted in the 290 constituencies countrywide.

This new development and Raila’s withdrawal from the race cast doubt on the legitimacy of the poll.

However, with all these developments, IEBC is working around the clock to ensure the poll take place on October 26.

First batch of ballot papers arrived on Saturday, with more papers expected today. The last batch will be delivered in the country on Tuesday, just a day to the polling.