Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya deputy presidential candidate Martha Karua challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati to come clean on his intentions regarding three foreigners who were caught with sensitive election materials upon landing in the country.
Karua's remarks came hours after the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) made public detailed information on three Venezuelan nationals who were arrested in the country with election materials.
"Whether contracted or not is not the issue. Since when did do people casually walk around with electoral materials? Chebukati and IEBC should explain what the law and procedure require," Karua stated in a public statement.
In an expose by the DCI boss George Kinoti, three foreigners identified as Jose Gregorio Camargo Castellanos, Joel Gustavo Rodriguez Garcia and Salvador Javier Sosa Suarez were carrying the sensitive election materials as personal belongings.
The bag contained 17 rolls of stickers targeted to serve various polling stations estimated to be 10,000 in number targeted to serve 10 counties.
They are Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Meru, Machakos, Murang'a, Bomet, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi, Nyandarua and Kericho.
In a separate bag, Carmago was also found in possession of a personal laptop, a personal monitor, five flash discs, one mobile phone and assorted personal computer accessories.
"The officers have established that the rolls were allegedly the property of IEBC of the Republic of Kenya arrested the suspect and confiscated the stated rolls and went ahead to inquire from the suspect Jose Gregorio Camargo Castellanos how he came into possession of the same.
"The suspect confessed that he was given the materials from Panama by his company M/S Smartmatic International Holding B.V," the DCI's statement indicated adding that the material was destined for a private office in Nairobi.
The mentioned counties are perceived battlegrounds in the forthcoming election, with questions emerging on IEBC's credibility to carry out a free and fair election.
Nairobi where Azimio chief Raila Odinga enjoys immense support has 2.2 million registered voters with a 50 per cent popularity against UDA candidate William Ruto who enjoys only 25 per cent.
Kiambu, Muranga, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi Nyandarua and Nakuru form part of larger Mt. Kenya - a perceived Ruto stronghold with a recent opinion poll by TIFA showing he enjoys at least 72.4 per cent against Odinga with just 22.6 per cent.
Karua is, however, the first among Azimio principals to respond to the controversy surrounding IEBC which has enlisted mixed reactions with just 16 days remaining to the August 9 General Election.
Kenya Kwanza, on the other hand, profusely defended IEBC and its chair Chebukati, much of which DP Ruto attacked DCI boss Kinoti for intimidating IEBC officials.
In a campaign rally on Sunday, July 24, Ruto slammed Kinoti as a man who had failed in criminal investigations and accused him of intimidating electoral commission staff.
"He has angered the Kenya Kwanza coalition and we want to warn him to stop interference over election matters. He was given the mandate to conduct investigations to which he has failed. So stop the theatrics and give IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati space to conduct elections. Wait for August 9 so that you can go home," he ranted.
