By Salim Mutuma
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has asked police to deal with growing cases of intimidation on its officers.
This follows Monday night’s attempted attack of IEBC personnel by goons while preparing responses to presidential petitions filed at the Supreme Court.
“At around 8:30PM, an organized group of goons wielding crude weapons attempted to attack IEBC personnel in our Nairobi offices…but were repulsed by the security,” the agency shared.
“The Commission condemns this act of hooliganism and intimidation, and calls upon the Inspector of Police (IG) to bring to an end this blatant abuse of the Rule of Law”.
IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati earlier decried what he termed as harassment and intimidation of his staff through profiling and arbitrary arrests and demanded for arrest and prosecution of the culprits regardless of their political affiliation.
“This has instilled fear within the staff who are now unable to report to office for duty. This harassment must stop,” he said.
The alleged intimidations saw gubernatorial elections in Mombasa and Kakamega and Parliamentary races in Kacheliba, Pokot South, Kitui Rural and Rongai constituencies that had been slated for August 23 postponed.
But the agency on Monday met candidates and party representatives from the areas and announced that the eight elections will be held on August 29 (Monday).
“We want to assure the candidates that the elections will be free, fair and credible,” Mr Chebukati said.
MCA elections for Nyaki West (Meru) and Kwa Njenga (Nairobi) will also be held on August 29, 2022.
