Chebukati says IEBC staff scared due to ethnic profiling by politicians

Chebukati was ​​addressing accusations levelled against him that he colluded with Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula to give the ballot paper printing tender to Greek firm Inform Lykos.

According to the IEBC chair who was speaking during a joint TV interview on Wednesday at the Bomas of Kenya, he is being linked with such dealings because he and Wetangula are Luhyas, something he says a section of leaders are using to malign the electoral body and its staff.

"This seems like an ongoing thing, there is a deliberate move to profile the staff of IEBC, commissioners and staff. There is a serious social campaign that is ongoing," Chebukati said.

"It is actually very sad that at this point in time we have people who are hellbent on trying to profile IEBC staff for purposes that we don't understand. I think it is unfortunate and it is an issue that people who are behind it should stop,” he added.

"If you look at our staff in the commission, especially ICT, they are now frightened because of seeing their photos in the gutter press and on social media posts."

He referred to the death of former IEBC ICT director Chris Musando in 2017, saying it has made a section of them fear that their fate may end up in such a manner.

"Don't forget that it was around this time, on July 28 five years ago, when our staff was murdered. And this then becomes a frightening moment when you see the chairman of the commission and staff being profiled," said Chebukati.

At the same time, Chebukati Chebukati dared the politicians who have alleged that he colluded with Wetangula in the ballot paper printing tender to table their evidence.

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party Secretary General Junet Mohamed recently sensationally claimed that Chebukati and Wetangula held a secret meeting where they reportedly handed Greek firm Inform Lykos the tender to print the 200 million ballot papers.

"We know that you (Wetangula) held meetings severally in Karen with the IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati. You (Wetangula) can go to court if you want. We know every detail of those meetings," Junet said at a rally.

Chebukati, however, termed the claims as mere propaganda only meant to derail IEBC’s work ahead of the August General Election.

“Let him (Junet) produce whatever documentation he has, like yesterday, because I know for a fact that those allegations are false,” said the commission boss.

“Whatever allegations are being levelled against the staff of the commission are just malicious and I think they’re just meant to derail us from doing the work we’re meant to do.”

He further stated that he has never even been to the Ford Kenya party leader’s home.