BAPTISM WITH FIRE: The seven woes of IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Wafula Chebukati has been described as the man with the toughest job in Kenya at the moment.

Chebukati announced that the repeat election date had been changed, from October 17th to 26th – sparking mixed reactions from politicians and Kenyans in general.

He now has less than 35 days to guide the Commission in preparing for the fresh poll, one which rivals parties and Kenyans hope will be free, fair and credible.

The IEBC has appeared to a house in shambles, with reports of internal squabbles threatening to discredit the integrity of the Commission.

A lot is expected of Wafula Chebukati, after the Supreme Court of Kenya, during the reading of the full presidential election petition judgement, faulted him and the Commission for not conducting elections as required by the Constitution.

The Jubilee Party, whose presidential candidate is Uhuru Kenyatta, have been tough of the judges, mainly faulting CJ Maraga of denying them a win. President Kenyatta said that he respected the SCOK’s judgement but didn’t agree with it and vowed to ‘fix’ the Judiciary once elected for another term.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) flag bearer Raila Odinga insists that the Coalition will not walk into another election if their demands are not met, the main one being the removal of IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba.

Chebukati now has to deal with a lot and this is what is expected of him and the Commission:

Transmission of results

Uniformity of forms 34A and 34B

Use of the Kenya Integrated Electoral Management System (KIEMS), 3G and 4G networks.

Gazetting of all polling stations

He must announce results after receiving all forms 34A and 34B.

The commission must allow presidential candidates’ agents to access forms 34A and 34B.

The Commission must also ensure that all presidential candidates’ agents and returning officers correctly sign forms before transmission.

All returning officers must ensure entry of results in all forms is correct

The Commission has to ensure voting, counting and tabulation is done according to the law

Wafula Chebukati’s woes as Kenya heads for October 26th repeat election

Supreme Court judges accused IEBC of acting like a law unto itself

Raila says no to Al-Ghurair ballot papers and French software supplier

There are only 24 days to go and many pending burning logistical issues

Bid to remove Ezra Chiloba flopped on vote and now he has to work with him

There were concerns that the October 17th date may not be realistic

President has demanded that IEBC should make public new measure on poll

Chief Justice David Maraga warned that if fresh elections are mishandled, they will give the same ruling