The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati issued a statement on behalf of the commission on the Supreme Court verdict on the presidential election.
In the statement, the IEBC appreciated Kenyans for peacefully exercising their legal rights to vote.
“The Commission appreciates Kenyans for peacefully exercising their democratic right to vote on 9th of August in accordance with Article 38 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” the statement read.
The commission maintains it put in place a transparent election infrastructure to ensure votes cast were counted, electronically transmitted, verified, tallied, announced, and declared in line with Articles 81 and 86 of the Constitution.
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Chebukati also acknowledged the support of stakeholders who enabled the commission to execute its mandate.
“The Commission recognizes the support of stakeholders including The Judiciary Kenya, National Police Service-Kenya, and service providers who participated in the electoral process. IEBC gives special recognition to development partners who provided support that bridged gaps in the election budget,” the statement read in part.
Chebukati also reiterated the commission’s staff faced a lot of adversities while performing their duties.
He noted cases where IEBC officials lost their lives over the elections, either directly or indirectly.
“In the course of discharging our constitutional duty, IEBC and its staff endured harassment, intimidation, abduction, arrests and some lost their lives. It is tragic that Mr. Daniel Musyoka, a Returning Officer for Embakasi East Constituency, was abducted and tortured to death,” Chebukati said.
“In addition, Mr. Geoffrey Gitobu, a Returning Officer for Gichugu Constituency, died in what could be election-related stress upon completion of elections in his constituency.”
According to Chebukati, the Supreme Court’s verdict that upheld the victory of President-elect William Ruto has allayed any fears brought about by claims that the commission did not conduct the August 9 elections accordingly and in essence vindicated the commission.
“The Supreme Court Judgment today, is a testimony that the Commission conducted a free, fair, transparent, and credible General Election that met the democratic aspirations of the people of Kenya,” Chebukati said.
“The IEBC is finally vindicated. We look forward to the full judgment of the Supreme Court as well as feedback from our stakeholders during the post-election evaluation exercise which will inform areas of improvement in the electoral process.”