The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) wants comprehensive security apparatus put in place to ensure peace prevails before, during and after elections.
IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati said holding a peaceful election is a responsibility of the entire society but the Government and security agents must be at the forefront in bringing peace to the entire country.
Affirming the Commission’s preparedness for the August 8 General Election, Chebukati said security agents must also do their job, which will serve as an assurance to Kenyans’ safety and subsequently ensure smooth election processes, rather than Kenyans waking up from displaced camps to go and vote.
He reiterated that the Commission is up to the task to run elections despite the many hurdles that the Commission has found itself into and declared their readiness to run credible elections.
Chebukati also explained that holding free and fair elections is not a preserve of the Commission saying it takes concerted efforts from all Kenyans for this to be achieved.
“Free and fair election is not about IEBC alone, the Commission only provides the right atmosphere. Kenyans are free to vote the people they like but fairness in this process is by IEBC, it gives a fair and level playing field,” Chebukati said.
Adding: “Some people are saying we are not ready for the elections yet they have not even talked to us. We will continue to overcome the roadblocks and nothing will stop us.”
He made the remarks yesterday at a Nairobi hotel when launching the election reporting guidelines, which have been developed by Media Council of Kenya (MCK) in collaboration with various other stakeholders including the IEBC.
Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General Frianci Wangusi urged journalists to be wary of what is reported to avoid causing unnecessary tension.