Chebukati: Election to go on as planned

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati has announced that the repeat presidential election will be held tomorrow as scheduled.

Speaking during a live address from the Bomas of Kenya, Chebukati said that the electoral commission has made the necessary preparations and will conduct the poll tomorrow.

“Fellow Kenyans, I wish to announce to you today on behalf of IEBC that based on assurances given to this commission by the relevant authorities, the elections as scheduled, will go on tomorrow, October 26 and  all polling stations will open at 6am,” said Chebukati.

Chebukati said that the commission will go ahead to conduct the election after receiving assurances from Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett of security for IEBC staff and voters and following re-assurances from the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to crack down on police brutality.

“I have consulted extensively with IPOA and I have been assured that the police brutality will stop and all police officers will be put in check further the commission has received assurances from the IG that certain strategic measures have been effected to ensure peaceful and lawful election,” said Chebukati.

The chairperson also took a swipe at commissioner Roselyn Akombe who fled the country and resigned from the United States on October 18.

“It is indeed sad that some Kenyans find it easier to protest about internal issues while they are abroad than when they are within the borders of this country, one needs to be bold or fearless because even the right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed,” said Chebukati.

Voting begins at 6:00 am at all polling  stations across the country.