Raila Odinga’s party has made an about-turn regarding the removal of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) boss Wafula Chebkati.
The decision to walk back on sentiments from some of its leaders who had earlier insisted that Chebukati was unfit to conduct the 2022 General Election was reached on Thursday, September 16.
This was after the ODM party leader Raila Odinga convened a meeting at Chungwa House in Nairobi where the party warned its members against launching an onslaught against IEBC boss and the commission in general.
In a verdict delivered by party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the ODM party called upon Chebukati and his team to freely execute their duties but in accordance with the law.
“We want him to continue to work according to what the law says the work should be done,” Sifuna said.
In mid last month, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s allies were plotting to kick out the commission’s chair Wafula Chebukati claiming he was unfit to conduct a free, fair, and transparent election.
Led by Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga, Kisumu Senator Fred Outa, and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, the leaders said they will not allow the country to go through what was witnessed after the chaotic 2007/08 General Election just because the polls were not fairly conducted.
“I really fear if Chebukati still heads the polls body. We will consult with MPs and find a solution. We cannot allow this country to be plunged into chaos because of polls not properly conducted,” Gladys Wanga said.
But according to insiders in the Orange party, there was a lack of consensus as the opinion was divided among the party members on whether to push for Chebukati’s removal or let him oversee the 2022 General Election.
Sources within the party circles further claimed that the former Prime Minister who was among the first to demand the ouster of Chebukati following the nullification of the 2017 presidential elections was not interested in kicking out Chebukati ahead of the 2022 elections.
