The United Kingdom has offered to support the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ( IEBC) in the repeat presidential elections set for October 17th.
In an interview with a local radio station, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, Nic Hailey, noted that the British government is willing to give IEBC financial support to strengthen its electoral programmes and capacity building.
"We had released Sh1.5 billion to IEBC for the August General Election, and we are waiting for another request, we are determined to see a transparent and democratic election,” stated Mr Hailey.
Regarding the recent turmoil between the IEBC and Political parties, he noted that IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati should ensure that the commission upholds democracy and transparency from the casting to tallying of votes and announcement of results.
“It’s not for me to decide, but IEBC is expected to deliver a better election than the last one,” he noted. “We are not supporting any political party or candidate but backing a free and affair election as enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution.”
He further dismissed the individuals criticizing the International observers noting that their sole purpose was to ensure the process was peaceful and democratic but not to address issues of results announcement.
Mr Hailey further urged Kenyan politicians to refrain from attacking independent institutions as it would affect the institutions' service delivery.
“It was evident when Raila poked holes in the judiciary before taking their case to supreme court, but after Chief Justice Maraga ruled in favour of NASA, Jubilee turned their guns to the same bench to the extent of threatening to disband it once he (Uhuru) is confirmed president on October 17,” he noted
Meanwhile, Parliament is today expected to consider a supplementary budget of Sh11.7 Billion for IEBC to conduct the October 17 elections. The repeat election, according to IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba, will cost Sh12 Billion.
Read More: IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba Reveals Cost of Fresh Presidential Election
