Election Observers Ask Govt to Probe Azimio Rigging Claims

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati addressing the media at Bomas of Kenya
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati addressing the media at Bomas of Kenya
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The Commonwealth Group of observers has urged the relevant authorities to immediately address the election malpractice allegations made by the Azimio and four IEBC commissioners after the presidential election results were announced.

In a statement released Tuesday, August 16, the observers expressed concerns over the claims made about the presidential election results in the concluded August 9 polls.

"The group is concerned at the allegations of lack of transparency at the IEBC made by four (of the seven) commissioners in a press conference on Monday, and other allegations from other sources," read part of the statement.

IEBC Commissioners hold presser at Nairobi Hotel on Monday, August 15, 2022.
IEBC Commissioners hold presser at Nairobi Hotel on Monday, August 15, 2022.
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In addition, Kenyans were urged not to prematurely conclude before any evidence is made public, maintaining that authorities had the sole mandate to conduct investigations.

The team of observers noted that the concluded election was among the most watched in Kenya’s history and presented an opportunity for the country to achieve a smooth, peaceful, and orderly transfer of power.

The Azimio camp through Raila's Chief Agent Saitabao Kanchory on Monday 15 stated that the IEBC system had been infiltrated and the credibility of the results compromised.

"We have intelligence reports that the IEBC system was penetrated and hacked and that some of the IEBC officials had actually committed intellectual offenses and some of them ought to be arrested," Kanchori lamented 

In addition, four out of seven IEBC commissioners led by the commission's vice chairperson Juliana Cherera distanced themselves from the official presidential results released by Wafula Chebukati.

"We are not at the Bomas of Kenya because we cannot take ownership of the results that are going to be announced because of the opaque nature in which these results have been handled," Cherera stated.

The group also urged politicians to accept the outcome of the elections and take part in encouraging solidarity among Kenyans. 

The announcement by Chebukati elicited mixed reactions in different parts of the country. The clergy together with political leaders urged Kenyans to maintain peace.

kanchory
An image of Raila Odinga's chief agent, Saitabao Ole Kanchory addressing the media at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, August 15, 2022.
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