IEBC moves poll officers ahead of Othaya by-election

What you need to know:

  • A judgment of an appeal filed by Mary Wambui will be read Thursday, just a week to the by-elections
  • In the last General Election, Ms Wambui was declared winner and Mr Kingara came second.
  • In the last General Election, Ms Wambui was declared the winner while Mr Kingara came second.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has shuffled some polls officers in Othaya Constituency shortly after complaints from a candidate that some of the officers are partisan.

Acting IEBC Chief Executive Officer Ms Beatrice Nyabuto told Nation.co.ke that the commission has made minimal staffing changes to ensure a credible exercise in the April 29, 2014 polls.

“It is true we have made some changes here and there just to strengthen our team and to ensure the exercise proceeds without a hitch,” Ms Nyabuto said.

It is unclear whether the changes were precipitated by a case filed by Democratic Party candidate Peter Kingara who has demanded the removal of some of the officials in the IEBC’s by-election supervisory team.

“We have demanded the removal of the Othaya Returning Officer and some presiding officers and their deputies especially those who participated in the last general election which was completely flawed,” Mr Kingara stated.

SUPREME COURT CASE

Even as Ms Nyabuto spoke, uncertainty surrounded the planning of the polls over the expected Supreme Court judgment on a case filed by former Othaya MP Mary Wambui seeking to quash the Court of Appeal ruling that kicked her out of the seat.

The judgment will be read Thursday, just a week to the by-elections, but the four candidates cleared to contest have intensified their campaigns.

“We have made plans to ensure nothing fails on the polling day including ordering of ballot papers.

We have also made staffing changes. We are keen to ensure a credible exercise,” Ms Nyabuto said.

Ms Wambui said Tuesday it was her right to seek judicial intervention at the country’s highest court and that she has intensified campaigns in case the ruling does not favour her.

“I have been all over and I want to ensure I marshal a clear win against my main opponent so that he will not be able to run to court again,” she said.

Mr Emilio Kibui of Farmers Party and Mr Joshua Mugo of Safina are also in the race to capture the seat previously held by former President Mwai Kibaki.

In the last General Election, Ms Wambui was declared the winner while Mr Kingara came second.