President William Ruto has revealed an alleged plot to murder the chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Wafula Chebukati, in the run-up to the August 2022 poll results.
Speaking during a meeting with independent commissions and constitutional offices at State House, Ruto revisited the events that transpired in moments preceding the declaration of the 2022 election results on August 15.
According to him, the IEBC Chairperson and two other commissioners, Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, faced a myriad of threats in botched attempts to subvert the outcome of the election.
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"We know that there was a direct attempt to abduct Wafula Chebukati and murder him so that the commission would be paralysed, or a compliant commissioner takes over and subvert the people’s sovereignty," Ruto stated.
The Head of State commended the outgoing IEBC chair for standing his ground and ensuring credibility in his mandate.
"We salute with great admiration the steadfastness, integrity and leadership through example that Wafula Chebukati provided at the IEBC. It is this uncompromising commitment to his constitutional responsibility that enabled Chebukati to lead IEBC."
His statements echoed those made earlier by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and his National Assembly counterpart Moses Wetangula, who showered praises on the three outgoing IEBC commissioners for their roles in the August poll.
In his speech, Attorney General Justin Muturi recommended Chebukati for a state job as an appreciation for his commitment to his job in his six-year stint.
"I hope this administration, through President Ruto, will find some other place for you to continue leading that country with that very same resolve," the AG stated.
The claims by President Ruto came barely a month after he promised to open an inquiry on the Bomas fracas. Speaking during an media interview, Ruto stated that he would speak about the drama at the appropriate time.
On his part, an adamant opposition chief Raila Odinga dared the government to open investigations into the matter- stating that he was yearning to establish the truth.
“The only evil things that transpired were connived by Chebukati and we are ready to see justice happen,” Raila stated during a meeting in Mombasa.
Meanwhile, Chebukati and his two outgoing colleagues are expected to testify in a case against embattled Commissioner Irene Masit before the Justice Aggrey Mchelule Tribunal.
