IEBC goofed by holding poll in poisoned atmosphere

The political crisis Kenya is facing is not about to end, especially after the hardline positions the government and the Opposition have taken over the repeat presidential elections. While Opposition chief Raila Odinga has maintained fresh elections must be held within 90 days, Deputy President William Ruto says that will not happen. In recent interviews with CNN, both NASA and Jubilee accused each of sabotage.

Raila said Jubilee has interfered with the electoral process to predetermine the outcome while Ruto claimed Raila has sponsored militias to stop elections in counties where he commands support. As things stand now, no one knows what will happen if the electoral commission declares Jubilee candidate Uhuru Kenyatta president-elect.

However, the IEBC should be held responsible for whatever happens after the process. IEBC went ahead to stage the repeat presidential election in total disregard of issues NASA and other stakeholders raised regarding fairness and credibility. This was a major gamble by the electoral commission which will not benefit NASA, Jubilee or even Kenyans. IEBC’s decision to go ahead with the election with all the controversies that surrounded it was not in the best interest of the people of Kenya as it was only meant to achieve interests of a few people.

One of the reasons IEBC went ahead with the election on October 26 was its desperation to redeem itself after presiding over an election that was latter nullified by the Supreme Court of Kenya following a successful petition by NASA. It was unimaginable that the commission would go ahead with the process even though the environment was not right for a free and fair election. And by so doing, IEBC has dealt our democracy a major blow.

Chairman Wafula Chebukati and his team cannot demonstrate the sovereign will of the people manifested during the election. President Uhuru Kenyatta is also desperate for second term. That is why he was determined to go ahead with the poll despite the fact he will face legitimacy questions if he wins. But he should know IEBC would be handing him a poisoned chalice by declaring him winner. Uhuru has been bragging of having majority in Parliament. He even threatened to impeach Raila if he won the race. Yet the majority MPs will not legitimise his presidency after over 70 per cent of voters boycotted.

This affects his authority to govern. Also, IEBC’s refusal to audit its systems showed it had something to hide. The conclusion is they wanted the conditions to remain the same to predetermine the result of the repeat election. Yet, the outcome will still be contested and maybe nullified once again. Andrew N. Wasike, Nairobi.