Ajabu Africa News

PHOTO:

NASA leaders during their meeting with IEBC officials at the commission's office in Nairobi, April 6, 2017. /IEBC

By:

NANCY AGUTU

Posted:

Apr,06-2017 11:58:36

Political parties and media in Kenya have been allowed monitor elections but only IEBC willannounceresults.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said this on Thursday noting parties must recognise that only the commission has this mandate.

"Parties and media may tally and verify the results for their own internal use," Chebukati said after holding talks with NASA leaders in Nairobi.

ODM leader and NASA co-principal Raila Odinga had announced that the National Super Alliance will do its own counting and release the results after the August poll.

Raila said there was no room for President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party to rig elections "like they did in 2013".

He said every polling centre will have a committee of 50 people. On that day people will come out to adopt polling stations," he said.

Regarding a proposal for ODM to help with primaries, the chairman said IEBC will consult internally and communicate by Friday morning.

On the voters' register audit, Chebukati said KPMG will engage stakeholders.

"This will ensure everyone is on board during this critical process," he said.

The firm wrote to various government agencies asking for certified records of Kenyans to facilitate its audit of the voters register.

It said the successful and timely conclusion of the exercise will depend on the provision of the documents.

Chebukati said the technical committee will oversee the implementation of technology and formally commence its meetings next week after Parliament approves ICT regulations.

On acquisition of technology for elections, he said parties had registered commitment to transparent acquisition and deployment of equipment.

He said the commission will share more information on the KIEMS, including specifications, with stakeholders.

Chebukati urged parties to condemn violence during primaries and in the future.

He said all stakeholders including political parties and government agencies should condemn violence and encourage their members to desist from conduct likely to lead to it.

In the latest case of violence, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho's bodyguard wasshot and injuredby one attached to Migori's Okoth Obado at Posta grounds.

Obado reportedly made good his threat to prevent ODM from holding a rally in the town. The event was disrupted when the Governor arrived unannounced as Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o addressed the crowd.

Source:

The Star