The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have peacefully resolved the stalemate surrounding the arrest of three Venezuelans who were found in possession of electoral materials.
In a mediation meeting between DCI boss, George Kinoti, and IEBC chairman, Wafula Chebukati, that was convened by the Inspector General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, the two government agencies agreed to work together to ensure the electioneering process runs smoothly.
Chebukati announced that they had resolved the impasse on the confiscated IEBC stickers, further agreeing to consult each other moving forward.
IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati receives the first batch of the printed ballot papers on July 7, 2022.
IEBC
According to IG Mutyambai, security agencies and the IEBC agreed that all security-related matters will be solved expeditiously through consultations even as the country heads to the elections in 11 days.
“Today’s meeting arises from the issues surrounding the stickers as the IG has stated that has been resolved we have resolved the issue.
“Going forward we have committed to working together and if there is any issue we shall discuss it together. We also want to appeal to Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and vote,” he added.
Chebukati also alerted security agencies that there are people buying Identification Cards from registered voters and they intended to use them to taint the election exercise.
He called upon the police to crack down on the individuals assuring Kenyans that the elections will be free and fair.
“That information has been passed over to the Police. I appeal to voters please don’t sell your democratic right to vote,” he stated.
The respite between Kinoti and Chebukati comes days after the latter defended Smartmatic International Holdings, maintaining the deal with the Dutch firm was above board.
In a statement dated July 26, the electoral commission detailed that Smartmatic International beat five other firms to win the lucrative contract in 2021.
IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati speaking during the Kenya national elections conference on Monday, July 11, 2022
IEBC
Chebukati further defended the involvement of the Kenyan firm, Seamless Limited, stating that they are working with the Dutch company to provide critical technology required during the forthcoming polls.
“One of the conditions in the tender document was that the bidder should provide a detailed support and maintenance plan and attach documentary proof of ICT technical support staff with a local registered office in Kenya. Smartmatic complied with this condition by providing a local partner in the country,” the IEBC statement read in part.
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