Raila Odinga’s party has been split over plans to kick out Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair Wafula Chebukati.
Two weeks ago, a section of Raila Odinga’s allies hinted at a plot to kick out IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati ahead of the much-anticipated 2022 General Election.
But on Sunday, August 22, leaders from the Western region vowed to defend IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati from resignation calls pushed by a section of Raila Odinga’s party.
Led by Saboti MP Caleb Hamisi, an ODM legislator, the leaders said the move by his fellow members was politically instigated, something they vowed not to allow to happen.
“Chebukati should not be removed out of political emotions. Removal of the chair must be out of serious violation of the constitution and evidence of abuse of office. Not innuendos propaganda and fear of the unknown. Chebukati is also our son. We will jealously protect him at all cost,” Hamisi declared.
With less than 11 months to the 2022 General Election, Hamisi said the move to kick out the IEBC boss risks bungling the forthcoming democratic process.
According to Hamisi, kicking out Chebukati at this time is part of a wider scheme by a section of leaders who are ill-prepared to face their competitors to postpone the election, something he vowed not to allow it happen.
On Friday, August 13, Raila Odinga’s allies led by Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga, Kisumu Senator Fred Outa, and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, claimed that Chebukati is unfit to oversee another General Election since he failed to fairly conduct the 2017 polls which were nullified by the Supreme Court.
“Chebukati presided over a presidential election that was nullified by the Supreme Court. This was the first presidential poll to be overturned in Africa,
“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,” said Gladys Wanga.
In June 2021, the commission said it will acquire multiple servers that will be used to transmit election results to the tallying center during next year’s polls in order to make the 2022 General Election transparent.
