The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has today imposed stiff ground rules at the national tallying centre, Bomas of Kenya following a scuffle between agents for both Azmio One Kenya Coalition and their Kenya Kwanza political rivals.
A commotion between the two camps temporarily paralysed tallying process.
A suspicious device was allegedly smuggled into the floor by opposing camps sparking acrimonious engagement.
After the altercation, IEBC commissioner Professor Abdi Guliye ordered everyone out apart from IEBC staff and political parties agents.
He also demanded for reinforcement of security at the tallying centres including deployment of armed police officers.
The commotion started when Charity Ngilu of the Azimio questioned the contents in a backpack of Uasin Gishu Women Representative Boss Gladys Shollei.
“Following a consultative meeting between the electoral body and the presidential agents, the parties have agreed to have two officers on the floor with two agents from each presidential faction; A chief agent and one deputy who can alternate with their lawyer per party. No one is allowed on the floor with printed materials,” said Guliye.
Guliye forbade journalists from photographing IEBC officials claiming that doing so put them in danger.
Consequently, journalists were expelled from the auditorium for some time during the fracas.
“Having laptop per presidential agent per desk to confirm the uploaded against the physical is allowed. The media should cease and refrain from circulating and tarnishing individual names.” Guliye added.
At all times, two IEBC coordinators will be present on the floor and act as a point of contact for any clarifications.
At the same time, IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan allayed fears that their systems have been hacked and dismissed the assertions as unfounded claims.
“The IEBC systems have not been compromised and that mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that the systems are secure,” said Marjan.