The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) candidate Col. Saeed Khamees Saeed on Wednesday, July 21, vowed not to militarize the electoral agency if appointed commissioner.
The Retired Military Colonel was responding to an issue raised by panelist Farudin Abdalla that Kenyans would be keen on his military background and raise concerns over militarizing the commission.
Col. Khamees defended himself, arguing he would distinguish his military background from the new job and strictly discharge his duties based on the policies of the commission.
“I am adaptable to a new environment. I will abide by the policies of the IEBC just like in the military where we follow lawful orders,” Col. Khamees stated.
Col. Khamees defended his 34 years’ experience in both technical and administrative duties at the Kenya Defence Forces and promised to collaborate with other commissioners to deliver credible results to Kenyans.
Mr. Khamees assured the commission that he will also propose effective voter education frameworks to ensure a streamlined voting process to enhance efficiency.
He also noted the need to engage politicians to ensure they don’t participate in activities that would derail the electoral process.
When asked by panelist Joseph Mutie on what he would do if the election results were disputed and considered irregular, he asserted he would take responsibility as a commissioner.
“I will take responsibility if anything goes wrong. I will resign and go home,” Col. Khamees stated.
He added that he would propose an internal investigation to be done and legal action taken against those found culpable.
On the presence of chiefs and assistant chief in the polling stations as recently witnessed in the Kiambaa by-election, Mr. Khamees argued that chiefs and government officials except security officers manning polling stations are not allowed there unless they were voting.
Mr. Khamees argued the officials could have their favorite candidates and try to influence the voting pattern and compromise the integrity of the election process.
