Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga has asked IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati not to oversee the mini-elections that were postponed.
Speaking in Mombasa while drumming up support for Mombasa gubernatorial candidate Abdulswamad Nassir, the former Prime Minister demanded that IEBC vice chairman Juliana Cherera manages the postponed elections.
“He (Wafula Chebukati) should disqualify himself from presiding over Mombasa and Kakamega gubernatorial polls,” Raila said on Wednesday, August 24.
IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati postponed the gubernatorial elections in the two counties due to a mix-up in the ballot papers.
But Raila said the mix-up in the ballot papers for the governor in the said counties was well coordinated between IEBC officials and the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
He exuded confidence that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party candidates Fernandes Barasa and Nassir will emerge victorious in the Kakamega and Mombasa governor races respectively.
“They decided to postpone the polls in the two counties because they were scared. But no matter how many times they postpone, we will still win,” Raila said.
Cherara has been considered friendly to Raila as she is among commissioners who disputed presidential election results where Ruto won.
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party captain further exuded confidence that the Supreme Court will invalidate Wafula Chebukati’s declaration that announced William Ruto the fifth president-elect.
He called upon his supporters from across the country to maintain peace as he battles with Chebukati and William Ruto at the Apex Court.
“Can’t you see that I am not sad or shaken by anything? I know eventually, the truth shall be known. Martha Karua and I have seen a lot of injustices,
“We are dealing with very corrupt opponents who had planned to rig a long time ago. The truth shall set the Kenyan nation free. Please be patient,” Raila said.
But in a quick rejoinder, however, IEBC said its chairperson is only in charge of presidential elections.
Gubernatorial elections are done by county returning officers and in this case, Mombasa and Kakamega gubernatorial elections shall be handled by Ibrahim Swalhah Yusuf and Joseph Ayatta, respectively.