New Independent electoral and Boundaries commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati was sworn in today, and promised to deliver a credible, a free, fair, and transparent election in August. In his maiden speech after the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Chebukati stated that with the new team, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will not repeat the mistakes committed in the past. “Our short-term goal is to deliver a free, fair and credible election which is 200 days away. We must therefore hit the ground running by ensuring all the processes and systems involved are in place,” said the new IEBC Chairman .
To stamp authority, Mr Chebukati sent a stern warning to politicians planning to engage in electoral malpractices, saying that those found culpable will face full force of the law. Mr Chebukati was sworn in alongside other IEBC commissioners, Paul Kurgat, Boya Molu, Abdi Guliye, Roselyne Akombe, Margaret Wanjala and Consolata Nkatha who were appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta last week.
He said that the IEBC will come up with a new strategic plan that will help in the management of elections in the country. “As a country, we have gone through past polls at times characterized by violence, voter apathy and unending electoral disputes. As a collective responsibility, we must put a stop to the connection between elections and electoral malpractices, the worst being election violence,” he said. Mr. Chebukati.
The swearing in ceremony was conducted at the Supreme Court by Chief Justice David Maraga and witnessed by Attorney General Githu Muigai. Speaking after the ceremony, Justice Maraga urged the IEBC team to deliver a credible election, to restore Kenyans confidence and avoid what transpired in the 2007 elections.
“Election is just one of the activities in our lives. People should not turn to other unconstitutional means to achieve power because of lack of trust in our electoral system,” said Maraga.
Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai warned leaders against interfering with public servants while dispensing their duties. “Political leaders should desist from attacking public servants or interfering with their work, we shall not relent in dispensing our duties,” said the AG.
Also the AG reminded the new team of the task ahead of them, saying that the country’s unity, stability and credibility in the August general election lie on their hands. He urged the new commissioners to enforce provisions on leadership and integrity that will ensure only people with good conduct and integrity are cleared to contest political seats in August.
[crp]
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