Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been forced to call off training of its officials after reports of widespread disruption by irate youth in National Super Alliance (NASA) strongholds.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, IEBC Communication Officer Andrew Limo confirmed that the training had been called off in parts of Nyanza and Western Region.
"I am aware that the training has been called off in the regions, though I can't state the specific areas as we are still waiting for reports from our officials in the field to access what we shall do next," Mr Limo explained.
[caption caption="File Photo of Kisumu Residents Demonstrate against IEBC"]
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In one incident, Kisumu Returning Officer John Ngutahi stated that they were forced out of a venue when a mob disrupted the training session in Awasi, Muhoroni.
In Bondo, Constituency RO John Matekwa, told Radio Ramogi that the youth attacked Sironya Academy just as they were staring the training of the presiding officers and deputy presiding officers.
He disclosed that the rowdy youth broke window panes at the school and roughed up everyone on sight before taking off.
When reached for a comment, Bondo Member of Parliament Gideon Ochanda condemned the attacks on the officials stating that they were wrongly targeted.
"Such an attack is not right, I condemn it. But reforms cannot be at a local level, they have to be national. The attacks are wrongly targeted, these are workers with instructions who will get paid. We need reforms at the policy level," he declared.
Other reports indicate that the training in the regions was called off after presiding officers and their deputies failed to turn up.
[caption caption="File Photo of Residents demonstrating in front of IEBC Offices in Kisumu"]
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On Tuesday, Police Spokesperson George Kinoti, released a statement disclosing that the attacks occurred in Awasi-Kisumu County, Bondo and Gem in Siaya County, adding that IEBC officials going for training programme were attacked by hooligans riding motorcycles and were severely injured.
"Police officers managed to rescue the officials and investigations into the incident have been launched. We wish to warn against any harassment, threats, intimidation or any unlawful interference with any IEBC official amounts to a breach of the law, both under the Elections Act and the Penal Code.
"Officers have therefore been directed to take firm action against anyone or groups of persons attempting to interfere or prevent IEBC officials from carrying out their lawful duties," he stated.
Earlier in the week, Commissioner Roselyne Akombe visited National Super Alliance (NASA) strongholds stating that they were taking the coalition's call to boycott the election seriously and would consult widely on the issue.
"The trip was to make an assessment on the ground and listen to the county election managers in the counties over the issue of no elections.
"We will be forced to collect public views and consult internally to determine whether there will be elections or no elections," Akombe added.
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