Chiloba is still in office, says Raila

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has alleged that embattled Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chief executive officer Ezra Chiloba is still in office despite saying he will be on leave during the election.

Speaking on Monday at an anti-election campaign rally in Keroka, Kisii County, Raila asserted that Chiloba had reported to office that morning and was still performing his electoral commission duties.

“I can assure you that today morning at 7am, Chiloba was in his office, and he is still there now,” said Raila.

The opposition leader also maintained that there would be no election on October 26 as the “irreducible minimum” conditions that the National Super Alliance coalition has been demanding have not been met by IEBC.

Raila’s allegations come barely two days to the repeat presidential poll, with Chiloba having stated on Friday, October 20, that he had made a personal decision to go on a three-week official leave.

“This is the first time I’m taking leave since my son was born. He turns two years (old) in two weeks’ time,” Chiloba told Reuters.

This decision followed a statement by IEBC Chair, Wafula Chebukati, on October 19 that set out a raft of conditions for all stakeholders involved in the preparation for the repeat poll.

Among the conditions set by Chebukati was for some IEBC staff to step aside so as for the electoral commission to guarantee a free, fair and credible election.

“I ask the staff who have been adversely mentioned to step aside and allow the project team to function without interference,”  demanded Chebukati.