IEBC Suspends Elections In These Areas After Harassment On Officials

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has postponed the by-elections scheduled for Tuesday, August 23 in Kakamega and Mombasa Counties, among others.

Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, in a statement dated Wednesday, August 17, noted that the areas set to be affected by the postponement include the two counties, MPs elections in Kitui, Kacheliba, Pokot South, and Rongai in Nakuru.

MCAs elections in Nyaki West and Kwa Njenga wards in Imenti and Embakasi South have also been affected.

"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," read the statement in part.

The gubernatorial elections in Kakamega and Mombasa were initially suspended after inaccurate details of the candidates were found on the ballot papers meant for the two counties.

Ballot papers for Kakamega county governor had wrong pictures of candidates and their details printed on them. Mombasa gubernatorial ballot papers encountered the same issue.

The by-elections would have been influenced by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA)'s victory over the Azimio la Umoja coalition, culminating in the declaration of William Ruto as president-elect, especially in Mombasa which was commonly known as an Azimio hotspot.

Chebukati expressed worry about some of the commission's key staff being intimidated and harassed while carrying out their duties, noting that it has since caused fear among them.

"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.

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

During the announcement of the presidential results, 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.

"We call for the arrest and prosecution of these assailants regardless of their political affiliation," he urged.

Heavy security at the Bomas of Kenya ahead of the President-elect announcement. /FILE