Azimio, Kenya Kwanza Leaders Collide In Nairobi Over Results
In addition, the leaders claimed that some of the Form 34As were missing, which put the credibility of the results in danger.
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Political leaders from both the Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza factions staged a standoff at the Starehe constituency in Nairobi as they demanded for the presidential and parliamentary results to be announced.
Azimio's Rachael Shebesh claimed to the media that some of the officials from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) were caught with unmarked ballot papers at the Jamhuri tallying centre.
In addition, the leaders claimed that some of the Form 34As were missing, which put the credibility of the results in danger.
Some of the ballot papers at the Jamhuri tallying centre in Starehe constituency, Nairobi county. /EDWIN SIFUNA.TWITTER
Shebesh had insisted for the chief party agents be present when the IEBC opens the ballot papers to verify the results.
"They want us to open the ballot boxes but we insist our chief party agents have to be present. We are here with Margaret Wanjiru of UDA, so it is not just our side," Shebesh argued.
Nairobi Senatorial candidate, Margaret Wanjiru of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) backed up her sentiments and demanded the IEBC returning officer to show up and declare the results.
Supporters from both factions had chanted down and severely reprimanded the IEBC officials, demanding justice and fairness in the tallying of the results.
Multiple live broadcasts on Facebook for instance showed Azimio leaders intercepting the alleged plot to rig votes in the constituency.
"Elections are sacred. We should preserve their sanctity. Anomalies in Starehe have been arrested. Unmarked and pre-marked ballot papers, yet stamped already. Remember, ballot papers were to be stamped during issuance. Unfortunate.
"We are at the Central Police Station in Nairobi where the arrested PROs are. Let’s pray for credible and fair elections. That justice will be the hallmark of this process," Ministry of Industrialization CAS David Osiany captioned one of the clips.
Osiany was flanked by a group of Azimio leaders including ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna, outgoing Kitui governor Charity Ngilu, and Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris among others.
The leaders urged the electoral body to step up and ensure that the tallying is credible and the results are announced.
"What I saw in Starehe is sad. I really hope the staff will be allowed to finish their work unfettered. Glad all have been called to order," UDA's Kipchumba Murkomen stated.
Police reports had indicated that the presiding officer was allegedly discovered with unmarked ballot papers in his bag as he was trying to access the centre.
Central Police station boss Fred Abuga confirmed the incident and since then, security has been beefed up at the tallying centre with police officers trying to contain the situation.
