Standoff as UDA, Azimio Leaders Demand Results in Nairobi

UDA's Kipchumba Murkomen, Margaret Wanjiru and party agents and Azimio politicians converse with the IEBC officials on Friday, August 12, 2022.
UDA's Kipchumba Murkomen, Margaret Wanjiru and party agents and Azimio politicians converse with the IEBC officials on Friday, August 12, 2022.
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A standoff ensued at Starehe constituency, Nairobi county after political leaders from both the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza coalition demanded the announcement of both the presidential and parliamentary results. 

Speaking to the media, Azimio's Rachael Shebesh noted that the ballot boxes had been compromised, claiming that some of the IEBC officials at the Jamhuri tallying centre were caught with unmarked ballot papers in their possession.

Further, the leaders alleged that some of the Form 34As were missing, therefore threatening the credibility of the results.

Some of the ballot papers at the Jamhuri tallying centre in Starehe constituency, Nairobi county.
Some of the ballot papers at the Jamhuri tallying centre in Starehe constituency, Nairobi county.
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Shebesh insisted that the chief party agents ought to be present should the IEBC open the ballot boxes for verification of the results. 

"They want us to open the ballot boxes but we insist our chief party agents have to be present. We are here with Margaret Wanjiru of UDA, so it is not just our side," Shebesh ranted. 

Her sentiments were echoed by Nairobi Senatorial candidate, Margaret Wanjiru of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The bishop demanded the IEBC returning officer to arrive and declare the winners. 

Supporters from both sides of the divide were chanting and castigating the IEBC officials, demanding for justice and fairness in the tallying of results.

At the time of publishing this article, security had been beefed up at the tallying centre, with police officers trying to contain the situation.

IEBC officials pleaded with the charged crowd to be patient and allow the returning officer to do his work. 

"Let people leave the tallying centre so that we can have a conversation with the party agents," an IEBC official stated. 

"We will help you manage the crowd, just continue with the conversation," a party agent responded to the IEBC official.   

The leaders called for the electoral body to step up in ensuring a credible tallying and announcement of results. 

"What I saw in Starehe is sad. I really hope the staff will be allowed to finish their work unfettered. Glad all have been called to order," UDA's Kipchumba Murkomen stated. 

Police reports indicated that the presiding officer was allegedly found with unmarked ballot papers in his bag, as he was trying to gain access to the centre.

Central Police station boss Fred Abuga confirmed the incident, noting that the officers had to rescue the IEBC officials from the wrath of the crowd. 

IEBC Press
IEBC preparing to give a press at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi on August 5
Kenyans.co.ke
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