The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, has faulted Chief Justice, Martha Koome, for misleading Kenyans on poll readiness.
This, he stated in reference to a statement that Koome had earlier made, demanding that Chebukati explains in detail to Kenyans how the body is prepared to conduct the elections.
The CJ had stated that she did not trust that IEBC would hold credible elections, and wanted Chebukati to explain how they appointed returning officers, and provide proof of whether they are willing to conduct credible elections for Kenyans.
In a statement issued to the press by the commission on Thursday, November 18, Chebukati stated that Koome's remarks amounted to misleading information, which the body shall not adhere to.
He added that the statements made by Koome are untrue, and it was very unfortunate to hear them from the Chief Justice, who plays a critical role in presidential election petitions.
"The remarks are unfortunate, misleading, untrue and unwelcomed especially because they were made by the Chief Justice who by law is destined to preside over Presidential Election Petition(s) in any event,” Chebukati stated.
He proceeded to state that the commission had presented the judiciary with necessary documents, showing the plan in place to ensure they deliver credible election results.
Further, he noted that during the presentation of the documents, Koome was supposed to be present, but sent a magistrate to represent her, who the commission expects delivered a clear report.
“The Commission is guided by its Strategic Plan and the Elections Operations Plan in its mandate to deliver a transparent, efficient and impartial 2022 General Election.
“Both documents were launched on June 15, 2021 in a function where the Chief Justice was the Chief Guest but was ably represented by the Chief Registrar Anne Amadi,” the Commission noted.
Notably, Chebukati stated that although some people are expressing dissatisfaction with the body, he believes they will deliver fair results to the people of Kenya.
He stated that during the elections, IEBC officials will be assisted by people who will be trained between March and June 2022, so as to make work easier and deliver good results.
