Poll officials boycott election training in Nyanza as others attacked

Poll officials boycott election training in Nyanza as others attacked

Ninety eight presiding and deputy presiding officers from Suna East boycotted IEBC training in the constituency that was scheduled for today.

According to Suna East constituency returning officer Mr. Leonard Okima, they expected a total of 201 presiding and their deputies for the four-day training but only 103 turned up yet everyone had confirmed attendance.

Okima has expressed concern over the security of his officers saying that the political upheaval brought by the ongoing anti-IEBC demonstration caused fear among his officers.

He asked the government to ensure that IEBC officers get better security.

There was heavy police presence at the training ground and even journalists were not allowed to take photographs citing security concerns.

Other training exercises were called off in many places in Nyanza and Western regions following failure of officers to turn up for the program.

In Bondo IEBC officials were attacked by rowdy youth at Sironya Academy forcing the electoral body to indefinitely suspend the training.

Kisumu Returning Officer John Ngutahi said training was also disrupted in Awasi, Muhoroni constituency where they were forced out of the Awasi Multicultural Christian Centre by an angry mob. Training was relocated to a safer place where police were deployed.

Election officers from Nyanza complained of insecurity and were opting not to participate in the forth coming repeat presidential elections scheduled for October 26. IEBC commissioner Roselyne Akombe assured the officials additional security during the election period.

 

Tags:

Nyanza Muhoroni Bondo Suna EAST IEBC trainings Muhuroni returning officer Roselyne Akombe

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