Chebukati thanks President Ruto for recognition

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati during a press conference on August 13, 2022 at Bomas of Kenya. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati has thanked President William Ruto for recognizing the electoral agency during his inaugural address after being sworn in as Kenya's fifth President.

President Ruto, in his speech, commended IEBC for "stewarding a transparent and credible election", saying that the commission's work during the general election ensured that the results were the democratic will of Kenyans.

Ruto said that the Chebukati-led commission demonstrated the true meaning of integrity, saying that despite the emotions and drama that came with the election, they performed their duties as public servants by choosing to do what was right and lawful.

"Allow me to single out the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for special commendation for the courage to do the right thing under exceptionally challenging circumstances. As an institution, they have set a new standard in public service that is uncompromising, professional and exemplary, raising the bar of the integrity of our public officials and institutions," said Ruto.

The president added that the IEBC chairperson resisted "bribery, intimidation and blackmail" from people who sought to interfere with the electoral process.

"It is appropriate to single out for special mention the chair of IEBC Wafula Chebukati for standing firm, resisting bribery, resisting intimidation and resisting blackmail and doing the right thing," said Ruto in his address.

Ruto went on to pledge that the intimidation that IEBC commissioners and staff faced during the election period and the violence that had been meted out on various other agencies, and staff in the Public Service, was a thing of the past.

In a thank you message to the president, Chebukati tweeted, "On behalf of IEBC and myself, I wish to thank H.E. President William Ruto for recognizing IEBC for having raised the bar of integrity and the standard of public service in Kenya. I feel proud to have made my contribution toward strengthening democracy in Kenya. God bless".

He added, "Special thanks to Commissioners Prof. Abdi Guliye & Boya Molu, CEO Hussein Marjan, our team at the National Tallying Center, our Returning Officers and the entire staff of IEBC who worked tirelessly and withstood intimidation to deliver a credible 2022 Election."