ODM renews calls for removal of Chebukati

Plans to eject the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati from his seat have been renewed by a section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members.

According to the members, the nullification of the 2017 presidential election diminished the party’s faith in Chebukati.

During the burial of Mzee David Ajwang Nyakwamba, father of Ruaraka Member of Parliament TJ Kajwang and Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang on Friday, August 13, Homa Bay Woman Representative, Gladys Wanga led the talk to kick out the IEBC chairperson.

Wanga stated, “Chebukati presided over a presidential election that was nullified by the Supreme Court. This the first presidential poll to be overturned in Africa. Chebukati is still at the helm of the electoral agency.”

“I really fear if Chebukati still heads the polls body. We will consult with MPs and find a solution. We cannot allow this country to be plunged into chaos because of elections not being properly conducted,” she added while addressing the mourners.

 Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi advised Chebukati to halt all the Election Operation Plans (EOP) until all the other commissioners are sworn in.

He stated, “IEBC under Chebukati should stop everything. This includes the hiring of returning officers and the county electoral officers,” he said.

“I want IEBC to wait. They can afford to wait to be fully constituted within two to three weeks. They will then commence the process to recruit a substantive office holder as the CEO currently held by Marjan Hussein Marjan in an acting capacity,” added Wandayi.

According to Kisumu Senator Fred Outa, IEBC presented a ballooned budget and it should halt everything until the other commissioners assume office.

Outa pointed out, “Even the budget they sought is illegal until all the other commissioners are sworn in.”

Although ODM leader, Raila Odinga also addressed mourners, he did not indulge in the topic but rather assured them and the whole of Nyanza that he has developed a new strategy to clinch the presidency.