Kiambaa by-election: IEBC Chair Chebukati says chiefs should keep off polling stations
The IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has said that chiefs and their assistants are not among a group of six people required to be at the polling stations in the ongoing Kiambaa by-elections.
Speaking to the press while inspecting the progress of the by-election, Chebukati noted that the Elections Act is clear on who should be at the polling station.
“I mentioned six groups of people who are supposed to be at the polling stations; chiefs are not among them according to the Elections Act. Polling stations extends to about 400 meters so people should not be idling around that area,” he said.
The IEBC boss was responding to a question from a journalist who asked whether area chiefs were supposed to be at the polling station.
At the same time, Chebukati noted that the exercise has been peaceful adding that there is no major point of concern so far.
He expressed confidence that his officers are well trained to handle the by-elections in accordance with the law.
“So far it has been a peaceful process and I am satisfied that it is going on well. As a commission, our fidelity is with the law and we have ensured that our officers do their work in accordance with the script that is the law,” he stated.
“These officers know their work and as a commission, we look forward to having similar individuals performing future elections,” he added.
Chebukati also stated that the voting exercise will come to an end at exactly 6:00 pm, save for areas where they delayed due to unavoidable circumstances.
His address came a few hours after Jubilee and UDA parties candidates voted in Gachie Primary School and Thimbigua polling stations respectively.
