How IEBC Commissioners were caught off guard over surprise arrival of ballot papers
IEBC Commissioners were caught off guard over the surprise arrival of ballot papers amid claims that Chebukati has sidelined other commissioners.
IEBC Commissioner has addressed claims of internal wrangles caused by the surprise arrival of ballot papers for the August elections at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on July 7.
Speaking to Ramogi TV on Saturday, July 9, IEBC commissioner, Justus Nyang’aya, refuted reports alleging that staff at the commission had infighting over the issue.
However, Nyang’anya acknowledged that all the commissioners were caught off guard as there was no prior communication.
He explained that the controversy was caused by the technical team mandated to oversee the printing and delivery of the ballot papers.
Additionally, he played down allegations of any suspicious activity regarding the arrival of the papers.
“We formed a project implementation committee which was tasked with being the intermediary link between the Greek company and the commission.
“They are the ones who delayed in communicating the arrival of the ballot papers including the chairman, Wafula Chebukati, himself,” he stated.
During a presser on Thursday (July, 7) Chebukati denied keeping his fellow IEBC commissioners in the dark but dared disgruntled members to speak out publicly.
“The management informed us about the arrival of the ballot papers last night and I conveyed the message to the commissioners. If there is any commissioner who has told you otherwise, I would like them to come forward and clarify their statements,” he stated.
Juliana Cherera, IEBC vice-chairperson concurred saying “It is true that he (Chebukati) got the message last night and communicated it to the commissioners. We have a committee that is overseeing that.”
The arrival of the ballot papers put the electoral body in the spotlight as they had not gazetted the names of the candidates prior to the printing exercise.
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