Raila wants UK, US to respond on Chebukati’s statement on credible poll

NASA leaders Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi after meeting IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati on 19th October 2017. PHOTO: David Gichuru Standard

The National Super Alliance (NASA) has faulted UK and US for their silence following Roselyn Akombe’s resignation on Wednesday.

Led by Raila Odinga, the coalition also raised concerns that the two nations have not spoken after Independent Electoral and Boundaries (IEBC) Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, indicated that the Commission cannot guarantee a credible repeat presidential poll on October 26.

“So it has come down to this: The US and the UK have not spoken since the astonishing confession by IEBC chairman Chebukati that he cannot guarantee that the election slated for 26 October will be free and fair, that his own staff do not listen to him, and that he cannot see how we can hold an election in which six million Kenyans who voted for Raila Odinga will feel disenfranchised.

“Roselyn Akombe's comments were even more startling, including her view that most Commissioners are keen to have an election even if it is at the cost of the lives of our staff and voters,” reads part of the statement by Raila Odinga’s Adviser, Salim Lone.

Raila pointed out that the two countries are doing grave damage to their standing in Kenya and Africa, "abetting the naked power grab by President Uhuru Kenyatta."

He also hit out at the African Union (AU), saying that it has not done anything to find a way out of the current political stalemate.

The former Prime Minister on Thursday (October 19) said he was willing to ‘reconsider’ his firm position on participating in the fresh presidential poll, if his demands are met.

“If proper consultations are done and if proper reforms are carried out, and those fears that we raised are addressed, then we will reconsider. But as it stands right now, our position is as we announced it on Wednesday,” he stated.

He also stated that Akombe and Chebukati’s statements confirm that the electoral body as currently constituted cannot guarantee a free and fair poll.

“That (the Dr Akombe resignation and Mr Chebukati’s statements) basically confirmed our fears, and our reasons for pulling out of this race. It is now clear to anybody that the environment does not exist for a free and fair election,” said Raila.