Chebukati blames politicians for Akombe’s resignation

EBC chairman Chebukati Wafula and Commissioner Dr. Roselyne Akombe addressing media at a past function (Photo: Jenipher Wachie/Standard)

NAIROBI, KENYA: Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Wafula Chebukati has praised Roselyn Akombe, the commissioner who resigned early Wednesday.

Akombe was the head of operations committee at the Electoral body, a duty which Chebukati says she discharged diligently. According to Chebukati, Akombe discharged the duty with no purposes but for the love of her country and urge to see democracy thrive in Kenya.

He said it is unfortunate that the commission could not provide an environment for such minds to find full expression of their work without fear for their lives

“Fellow Kenyans, our country has some of the best brains in the World who are respected and celebrated globally, they would love to serve their country but arrogance of our politicians cannot let them do so,” he said.

Kenyans learnt of Akombe’s resignation on Wednesday morning in a decision she took while in New York, USA.

In a statement she said the commission cannot conduct free, fair and credible election in the repeat polls as it is currently constituted.

“We need the Commission to be courageous and speak out, that this election as planned cannot meet the basic expectations of a credible election. Not when the staff is getting last minute instructions on changes in technology and electronic transmission of results," read part of the statement. Akombe accused IEBC of becoming party to the current political crisis in the country and said her decision to quit the commission also borders on threats to her life.