Wafula Chebukati: I delivered in spite of threats

 

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair Wafula Chebukati says he faced intimidation and harassment while on the job, but still managed to deliver a free, fair, and credible election.

Chebukati, while releasing the final presidential poll results at the Bomas of Kenya today, said two IEBC commissioners including the Chief Executive had been injured in the line of duty.

"Right now two of my commissioners and the CEO are injured and being treated. We have staff who have been profiled and others have been arbitrarily arrested," the commission's chair said.

According to the IEBC, the Embakasi East Returning Officer identified as Daniel Musyoka went missing on Thursday, while on duty at the East African School of Aviation tallying centre.

His whereabouts are still unknown.

Chebukati reiterated that despite all the shortcomings, he had a duty to self, the Constitution, and country to act within the confines of the law.

"That's why I stand before you today despite intimidation and harassment. I have a duty to serve this country and in accordance with the Constitution," said Chebukati.

Chebukati's term ends in 2023

This will be Chebukati's last election to preside over as chair of the electoral agency. He has now overseen two general elections in Kenya, 2017 and 2022. "For those after me, we have prepared for you what the Constitution envisaged, which is an independent commission."

The chair announced the results on Monday, August 15 at the Bomas of Kenya, in the absence of four IEBC commissioners who distanced themselves from the last phase of the presidential tally, citing opaqueness.

"We cannot take ownership of results that will be announced. However, we have an open door that people can go to court and because of the same, we urge Kenyans to be peaceful because the rule of the law is going to prevail," Vice chair Juliana Cherera said.