Chebukati Orders Raila To Produce Footage Of Visit To His House

Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, has demanded Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, furnish him with video evidence of his alleged visit to his house.

In a demand letter seen by Viral Tea dated Tuesday, January 31, Chebukati, through lawyer Steve Ogolla, gave the former Prime Minster seven days to produce the footage proving that he visited his house prior to the announcement of the August 9, 2022, general election results.

"In the circumstances of your allegations, and in the context of our Client's strong rebuttal thereto, our instructions are to demand from you, as of right, which we hereby do, to be furnished with the alleged video footage within seven days from the date hereof," the letter read in part.

Chebukati further threatened to take legal action against him if he fails to produce the said footage within the time period given.

"Kindly take notice that if we do not receive the video footage demanded hereinabove within the Demand Period, we shall be constrained to institute appropriate adverse but lawful proceedings against you.

"In so doing, we shall take such action as necessary to protect our Client's right to access to information by dint of Article 35(1)(b) of the Constitution without further reference to you whatsoever, holding you liable for costs and any other consequences which may arise therefrom," added the letter.

According to Ogolla, Chebukati reacted with shock and consternation at Raila's allegations which he was believed to have known very well to be false. In addition, Raila was accused of using the narrative to tarnish his reputation.

"Further, our Client is aggrieved that you took no caution or responsibility while making the adverse remarks with the consequence that our Client has suffered and continues to suffer serious reputational injury, taking into account his status and position as former Chairman of IEBC.

"In response to your allegations, our Client vehemently denies your allegation that he met you during the election year, let alone the election period, and in particular, at your house, as alleged by yourself," added the letter.

On Sunday, January 29, while addressing a rally at Jacaranda grounds, Raila claimed that Chebukati, Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu paid him a visit, before the announcement of results, and alleged to have evidence to prove that the trio sought his audience and made some requests to him.

"Chebukati revealed that some people tried to bribe him as well as Guliye and Molu. Ask them what they came to ask me when they visited my house. Tell them that I have photos that I can expose them," Raila stated. 

However, President William Ruto on Monday, January 30 poked holes at the claims, stating that Raila chose to reveal the claims five months since the elections took place.

He also questioned the motive of the visit by the former commissioners; Wafula Chebukati, Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye, believing that it was Raila who had invited them over in the first place.

The Head of State further criticised Raila for using a public rally to convey the claims instead of before the Supreme Court when he filed a petition to have the presidential results dismissed.