IEBC postpones Mombasa, Kakamega Governor elections over harassment of staff

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced a postponement of elections in various parts of the country that were initially set for August 23, 2022.

This is according to IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati who, in a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday, said the move was occasioned by alleged harassment of the commission’s staff in the course of executing their mandate.

Chebukati hence said IEBC has since resolved to push - to a later date - eight elections, among them gubernatorial polls in Mombasa and Kakamega counties.

It has also postponed elections for Member of the National Assembly in Kitui Rural Constituency (Kitui County), Kacheliba Constituency (West Pokot County), Pokot South Constituency (West Pokot County) and Rongai Constituency (Nakuru County).

Member of County Assembly Ward elections have also been postponed in Nyaki West (North Imenti Constituency - Meru County), and Kwa Njenga (Embakasi South Constituency – Nairobi County).

“The Commission is concerned that some of its critical staff who objectively and impartially performed their duties at the National Tallying Centre are being intimidated and harassed through profiling and/or arbitrary arrests,” wrote Chebukati.

“This has instilled fear within the staff, who are now unable to report to the office for duty. This harassment must stop forthwith.”

Chebukati further alleged that he was, alongside commission CEO Hussein Marjan as well as two other commissioners, attacked ahead of the much awaited announcement of the presidential poll results on Monday.

“During the announcement of the presidential results, the Chairman Wafula Chebukati, Commissioners Prof. Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, and CS/CEO Marjan H. Marjan were physically attacked, assaulted, and injured by persons in the company of certain political leaders,” he stated.

“We call for the arrest and prosecution of these assailants regardless of their political affiliation. In view of the prevailing circumstances, the Commission has postponed the by-elections slated for 23rd August 2022, to a date to be announced through a gazette notice."