4 dissenting IEBC commissioners wanted presidential results moderated to force re-run – Chebukati

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati now claims that the four commissioners who distanced themselves from the presidential election outcome wanted results moderated to force a re-run.

In a statement on Wednesday, August 17, Chebukati accused the commissioners of trying to change the presidential results contrary to the law.

"However, during a briefing meeting held on 15th August 2022 at around 3.00 pm before the final declaration of the Presidential Election results, the four Commissioners i.e. Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Justus Nyang’aya, and Irene Masit demanded that the Chairperson moderates the results for purpose of forcing an election Re-run contrary to their oath of office.

"This is tantamount to subverting the Constitution and the sovereign will of the People of Kenya. The Chairperson refused to yield to this unconstitutional and illegal demand and proceeded to declare the results of the Presidential Election as received from the polling stations, and contained in Form 34A, in accordance with the law," Chebukati said.

Chebukati dismisses errors in results released

The IEBC boss further said the allegation that the results declared exceeded 100 per cent is untrue.

"The alleged 0.01 per cent increase in the Presidential Election results raised by the four Commissioners namely Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Justus Nyang’aya, and Irene Masit, is false and misleading.

"Please refer to the attached tabulation that provides a scientifically accurate analysis. We urge Kenyans to interact with these results and make an objective judgement," he stated.

He said all commissioners were given full access to the presidential results and had a chance to announce them interchangeably for six days.

"As the gazetted National Returning Officer and in the spirit of teamwork, the Chairperson involved all Commissioners including Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Justus Nyang’aya and Irene Masit in all activities of verification and tallying.

"Their duties were well defined in writing and allocated at the National Tally Center (NTC). They had access to all results beforehand and interchangeably announced them for six (6) days in full glare of live television," he said.

Chebukati also said the commission conducted the most transparent election according to the law.

"If any of the parties elects to file a petition, it is within their constitutional right and the Commission shall have an opportunity to respond and demonstrate in further detail the circumstances under which the election was conducted, results verified and outcome declared in accordance with the constitution and the law," he added.

Chebukati on Monday, August 15, announced William Ruto as the president-elect after garnering 7,176,141 votes, representing 50.49 per cent of the total votes cast in the general election.

Azimio la Umoja's Raila Odinga followed closely with 6942,930 votes.

Raila has since vowed to move to Supreme Court to challenge the presidential election results.