Duale to IEBC: Stop infighting and prepare for repeat prsidential poll
The Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Aden Duale has cautioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Iebc) chairman Wafula Chebukati to avoid sideshows between his office, commissioners and the secretariat and instead prepare the country for the October 17 election.
He said the commission draws its mandate to conduct elections and referendums from Section 88 subsection 4 of the constitution and must adhere to the provided guidelines without being partisan.
“As jubilee we are not interested in sideshows and leaking of memos. We want to tell Chebukati he must prepare the country for elections. It is this House that vetted you and approved your candidature. If there are issues you want to fix, do it quickly,” Duale said.
The electoral body is marred by internal administrative differences with chairman demanding a blow by blow explanation from Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba why the presidential elections were bungled.
Five commissioners have since distanced themselves from the leaked memo to Chiloba saying they are not privy to the contents and demands made by the chairman.
Chebukati, as the Returning Officer of the presidential elections has also appointed a new team that will conduct the October repeat polls.
Duale said the commission should hold joint meetings between Nasa and Jubilee and update themselves on the preparations so as not to create mistrust and suspicion.
Duale was accompanied by Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria, Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata and lamu Senator Anwar Loitiptip among others.
Jubilee said although they expressed reservations to the newly constituted team by Chebukati, they have formally communicated are expecting formal response since they also respect independence of the commission.
Duale also castigated opposition leader Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka for fundraising calling it gimmick to fleece Kenyans.
“I was very shocked to see opposition leader Raila and his running mate seeking donations instead of looking for votes. It is shameful that Kalonzo was holding the banner with a pay bill. I want to tell Kenyans to be very weary,” Duale said.
