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IEBC Postpones Kakamega And Mombasa Governorship Elections Over Intimidation Of IEBC Staff

SK 2 years ago 2 min read

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced the delay of elections that were originally scheduled for August 23, 2022, in a number of regions of the nation.

This is according to Wafula Chebukati, the chairman of the IEBC, who stated in a message to newsrooms on Wednesday that the action was motivated by claims that the workers of the commission had been harassed while carrying out their duties.

Therefore, according to Chebukati, the IEBC has decided to postpone eight elections, including the gubernatorial elections in the counties of Mombasa and Kakamega.

Additionally, Kitui Rural (Kitui County), Kacheliba (West Pokot County), Pokot South (West Pokot County), and Rongai Constituency Member of the National Assembly elections have been postponed (Nakuru County).

Member of County Assembly Ward elections have also been postponed in Nyaki West (North Imenti Constituency – Meru County), and Kwa Njenga (Embakasi South Constituency – Nairobi County).

“The Commission is concerned that some of its critical staff who objectively and impartially performed their duties at the National Tallying Centre are being intimidated and harassed through profiling and/or arbitrary arrests,” wrote Chebukati.

“This has instilled fear within the staff, who are now unable to report to the office for duty. This harassment must stop forthwith.”

In addition, Chebukati said that he and two other commissioners were attacked prior to Monday’s much anticipated announcement of the results of the presidential election, along with commission CEO Hussein Marjan.

“During the announcement of the presidential results, the Chairman Wafula Chebukati, Commissioners Prof. Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, and CS/CEO Marjan H. Marjan were physically attacked, assaulted, and injured by persons in the company of certain political leaders,” he stated.

“We call for the arrest and prosecution of these assailants regardless of their political affiliation. In view of the prevailing circumstances, the Commission has postponed the by-elections slated for 23rd August 2022, to a date to be announced through a gazette notice.”