IEBC criticises CORD’s plan to storm offices over Okoa Kenya

IEBC Chairman Issack Hassan. The commission said it has been in constant communication with the Okoa Secretariat before and in the aftermath of the verdict on the initiative. (Photo: File/Standard)

The electoral agency has criticised the Opposition over plans to storm its offices Monday, asking that it respects the law.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which has explained that CORD's Okoa Kenya referendum quest collapsed because it failed the constitutional test, said it will not be manipulated or intimidated to succumb to pressure in the performance of its mandate.

IEBC noted that as far as the law was concerned, it had discharged its role in the process stipulated for amendment of the Constitution through the popular initiative, Okoa Kenya.

"The commission expects CORD and all citizens to uphold the rule of law as it demands the same of others. The commission will not be manipulated or intimidated or succumb to pressure in the performance of its mandate. It will hold steadfast to the law and render fair and just decisions," read their statement to newsrooms.

On Saturday, while addressing a political rally at Kamukunji grounds in Nairobi, CORD leaders said they would Monday storm IEBC offices at Anniversary Towers and press for the exit of commissioners.

But the commission stressed its commitment to implementing the Election Operations Plan and other elaborate measures to ensure the next election will be free and flawless.

"These preparations will suffer if the commission is subjected to frequent disruption, unfounded agitation, meddling and interference," adds the statement.

It called on the public and all stakeholders to support and facilitate its efforts of ensuring a free and fair election.

On CORD's Okoa Kenya referendum initiative, the commission said it had been in constant communication with the Okoa Secretariat before and in the aftermath of the verdict on the initiative, which failed to meet the constitutional threshold.

IEBC said it had advised the Okoa Secretariat to send its technical team of experts "to meet with ours to acquaint itself with the methodology used in the verification process. However, this has not happened."