Atheists want Kenyans to boycott 2017 polls

Atheists In Kenya (AIK) are now calling for a general boycott of the 2017 General Elections by all voters in Kenya if the current Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will not be disbanded.

In a statement to the newsrooms, AIK chair Harrison Mumia said IEBC, as currently constituted, lacks the goodwill, integrity and credibility necessary to conduct a free and fair election.

“It is also clear to us, and indeed to most Kenyans, that unless IEBC is disbanded, there is a possibility of the next elections precipitating violence in the country. Integrity in elections is paramount, and depends on ethical conduct by electoral administrators, election officers, candidates, parties and all participants in the electoral process. In particular, all the commissioners (IEBC) are expected to behave in a way that promotes a free and fair process, and that discourages conduct jeopardizing the integrity of the process,” read the statement in part.

AIK also claimed that the chickengate scandal damaged the integrity of the current IEBC.

“We have reports in Parliament that the IEBC Commissioners used their position for personal or partisan benefit. A lot of mystery and suspicion is shrouded in the process of transmission of results. Kenyans must simply boycott the next General Elections, unless the current IEBC is disbanded and reconstituted.”

AIK has said they want a peaceful, free, credible and fair elections in Kenya in 2017.

IEBC chair Issack Hassan has previously said the electoral body commissioners will not resign despite mounting pressure.