IEBC official arrested in Machakos over poll documents

IEBC officials going through some forms at Bomas of Kenya on August 11, 2017. An IEBC official has been arrested in Machakos for seeking Form 34A from party agents. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

An official of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was arrested in Machakos while trying to buy copies of Form 34A from agents of a political party.

Mavoko IEBC Deputy Returning Officer Onesmus Kaloki was arrested on Tuesday in Mlolongo after two agents of Maendeleo Chap Chap Party alerted the police.

The agents, Ms Everlyne Mwenda and Ms Winnie Ndunge said Mr Kaloki had been calling them since Saturday asking them to surrender the forms.

"He kept calling me demanding for the forms and when I asked him what he wanted them for, he said he lost his copies," said Ms Ndunge.

The agents said Mr Kaloki had promised to give them money in exchange for the forms.

Machakos Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss Jonah Kirui on Wednesday said police were holding the suspect as they investigate the matter.

Mr Kirui said a decision will be made on whether to charge the suspect or release him on bond.