Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, has issued a statement on the plans to conduct the various by-elections that were earlier postponed in various places.
The IEBC chairman said the presidential outcome had instigated alleged harassment and persecution of his officials in the commission deeming it a challenge for smooth operations.
Areas that are still on hold awaiting the elections include; gubernatorial by-elections in Kakamega and Mombasa, MPs elections in Kitui, Kacheliba, Pokot South, and Rongai in Nakuru as well as MCAs elections in Nyaki West and Kwa Njenga wards in Imenti and Embakasi South respectively.
Chebukati said a pending date is to be set through a gazette notice to the public on the postponed elections.
The IEBC chair noted that most of the officials despite having worked impartially to ensure a free and fair Election, are facing threats and profiling that has instilled fear in most.
“The Commission is concerned that some of its critical staff who objectively and impartially performed their duties at the National Tallying Centre are being intimidated and harassed through profiling and/or arbitrary arrests. This has instilled fear within the staff, who are now unable to report to the office for duty. This harassment must stop forthwith,” said Chebukati.
Chebukati further responded to a need for apprehending the perpetrators who attacked commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu and CEO Marjan Hussein. The three were physically assaulted and injured by persons in the company of certain political leaders.
“We call for the arrest and prosecution of these assailants regardless of their political affiliation,” he added.
Chebukati urged Kenyans to continue maintaining peace as they make plans to hold byelections in the affected areas.
