Lobbies throw caution to the wind over IEBC election preparedness
The civil society has expressed doubts over the Independent Election and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) readiness to conduct the August 9 elections.
Under the umbrella Angaza Movement, ten civil society groups argued that IEBC was not ready, citing numerous cases in court as well as the ambiguity that is surrounding the company that has been hired to provide the Kenya Integrated Election Management Systems (Kiems) kit.
Speaking during a forum dubbed People’s Conversation on the state of the nation and election preparedness , Executive Director, Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) Davis Malombe said that instead of showing confidence that they are ready for the polls, the commission has either been complaining or demanding for more money to conduct the polls.
“ The reality is that our commission is not ready to conduct this poll. As we speak we still have cases that are yet to be determined yet we have 18 days to the elections. Instead of the commission addressing some of these issues, they are just beating around the bush. When will we ever learn as a country that elections in Kenya are an emotive matter which requires adequate preparedness,?” posed Malombe.
Malombe warned of the country likely to experience chaos saying that many Kenyans are likely to dispute the poll results.
“Chebukati (Wafula, IEBC chairman) has failed as the chairperson. He is the captain but instead of steering this ship to the right direction, the waves are overwhelming him each and every day. He appears not decisive,” he said.
KHRC’s boss urged the commission to come out and speak in one voice about the numerous questions that have been asked about Smartmatic elections company, the firm which has been hired to provide Kiems kits.
“Kenyans recently witnessed how IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein had a rough time trying to explain how they settled on this company. It was clear that this company has problems in the previous elections it conducted. We are Chebukati to lead the commission and set the record straight about this company,” he said.
