IEBC moves poll officers ahead of Othaya by-election
Othaya parliamentary candidate on Democratic Party of Kenya ticket Mr Peter King'ara (right) confirms his details with Othaya constituency deputy Returning Officer Mr Amos Nyongesa at Othaya CDF hall on April 2, 2014. PHOTO/JOSEPH KANYI
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
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has shuffled some polls officers in Othaya Constituency, Nyeri following complaints from a candidate that some of the officers are partisan.
Acting IEBC Chief Executive Officer Ms Beatrice Nyabuto told the Nation that the commission has made minimal staffing changes to ensure a credible exercise in the April 29 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 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 elections which was completely flawed,” Mr Kingara stated.
Even as Ms Nyabuto spoke, uncertainty engulfed 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 the 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 is 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 opponents 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 winner while Mr Kingara came second.
