Chebukati: How Azimio Bribed Me to Change Results To Favour Raila

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati has revealed how he was arm-twisted by Azimio la Umoja leaders and the National Security Advisory Council to influence the outcome of the August 9 General elections, hours before the announcement of William Ruto as the president-elect.

In an affidavit filed at the Supreme Court on Saturday, August 27, Chebukati revealed that Azimio Executive Director, Raphael Tuju, and former Busia Senator, Amos Wako had offered him gifts as well as the commissioners if they moderated the results in favour of Raila Odinga.

He added that the duo was joined by Kennedy Kihara - Principal Administrative Secretary at the Office of the President who paid him a visit at 3 am, the day the results were to be announced.

IEBC chairman, Wafula Chebukati issuing William Ruto his certificate after winning the election. /WILLIAM RUTO

"Wako indicated that they had come to ask the Commission not to operate ‘in a vacuum’, and that it must consider the link between the election results to be declared and the stability of the country, which he described as the bigger picture.

"That Raphael Tuju spoke after Senator Wako. He indicated that it was necessary for the results to be 'moderated in favour of baba' and that any contrary declaration of results would 'plunge the country into chaos'. As an alternative, he suggested that in the event that it was not possible to declare 'baba' as the President-elect, then the Commission should force a run-off," Chebukati said, adding that he was promised a reward in the event his request is granted.

Having heard the sentiments of Hon. Tuju and Senator Wako, Chebukati invited the Commissioners to comment. Commissioners Juliana Cherra, Justus Nyang aya, Irene Masit and Francis Wanderi agreed with the remarks of both Senator Wako and Tuju.

Chebukati however took the view that he would respect the will of the people and announce the results as per the final tally from all the polling stations. As regards the proposed incentive, the group was categorical that they would not entertain such a request.

He added that he was informed by the commissioner, Abdi Guliye that a delegation from the National Security Advisory Council (NSAC) arrived hours after the Tuju and Wako meeting. Their arrival was prompted by a call from the Head of Public Service that he had sent a team that wanted to discuss the assumption of office.

Following the introductions led by Kennedy Kihara - Principal Administrative Secretary at the Office of the President, and made of Kennedy Ogeto (Solicitor General), Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and Lieutenant General Francis Omondi Ogolla (Vice Chief of Defence Forces), Kihara proceeded to relay the message, warning of chaos in the event he announced Ruto as president-elect.

"The message from that NSAC delegation was that if we cannot announce Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga as the outright winner, then we must ensure that there is a run-off.

"Only Kihara spoke at the meeting and as he concluded his-10 remarks, he indicated that they wanted from us a message that they could take back to the National Security Advisory Committee," he added.

Chebukati added that the four rogue commissioners held a similar view despite opposing any attempt to subvert the will of the voters.

He then revealed that upon being handed the results hours after the meeting of the security council team, the four commissioners insisted that the results be moderated as per the advice of the security team.

However, Chebukati did not heed their demands and proceeded to announce Ruto as the president-elect.

DP William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua holding their certificate after being declared president and deputy-president elect on August 15, 2022. /WILLIAM RUTO