Cancel ballot tender awarded to Dubai firm – Aukot

Thirdway Alliance presidential candidate Ekuru Aukot now wants the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to cancel the ballot printing tender awarded to Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company based in Dubai.

Dr. Ekuru Aukot joins his National Super Alliance (NASA) counterpart Raila Odinga in demanding that IEBC starts the procurement process afresh so that the tender is awarded to an independent printer under the supervision of the United Nations, even though the National Assembly approved the Ksh2.5 billion tender on May 13.

This week NASA opposed the ballot printing tender, claiming that Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company is linked to senior Jubilee officials – claims that have Aukot concerned.

“If these reports are true, the credibility of the upcoming polls have been compromised and Kenyans are being prepared for what is likely to become in the fullness of time, shambolic and disorganized or otherwise rigged elections. We, the Thirdway Alliance Party of Kenya, put IEBC Chairman, Commissioners and Senior Management on notice that they are responsible for any consequence that may result from the conduct of the upcoming polls,” said Dr. Ekuru Aukot.

Deputy President William Ruto has, however, laughed off the claims, saying that the Opposition has already sensed defeat and they are trying to sabotage the electoral process.

“We have no problem with IEBC giving the printing tender to another firm. We know your, NASA, plans of threatening IEBC so that elections can be postponed to a letter date. We want to tell you, NASA, that Kenyans are ready for elections in August 8,” said the DP, who was speaking in a campaign rally in Kericho.