IEBC postpones repeat election in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya and Migori

The electoral commission has postponed the repeat presidential election in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya and Migori Counties citing security-related challenges.

Addressing the media from Bomas of Kenya, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati has said the four counties will have the election on Saturday, October 28, 2017.

“We have faced and continue to face challenges which are largely security related in certain electoral areas. The commission is consulting on and assessing the prevailing security situation that affects electoral areas experiencing security challenges,” Chebukati said.

In calling off the polls in the said counties, Chebukati invoked Section 55b of the elections act which states:  “The Commission may, where a date has been appointed for holding an election, postpone the election in a constituency, county or ward for such period as it may consider necessary where— (a) there is reason to believe that a serious breach of peace is likely to occur if the election is held on that date; (b) it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of a natural disaster or other emergencies, (c) that there has been occurrence of an electoral malpractice of such a nature and gravity as to make it impossible for an election to proceed.”

The IEBC boss said the electoral body had written to the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet asking for security reinforcement to protect poll officials and secure election material ahead of the postponed election.

Chaotic protests rocked the four counties with rowdy youth barricading roads to block delivery of election material to polling stations.

The demos turned ugly in Kisumu where one person was shot dead and twenty others injured, five of them with gunshot wounds, during a clash with anti-riot police.

Chebukati is set to give another briefing at around 6 pm today where he said he would issue an update on the voter turnout.