Former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati has raised concerns over the continued intimidations that electoral officials, including commissioners face.
Speaking on November 20, during the  2023 ECONEC Symposium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Chebukati noted that the officials have been facing death treats while carrying out their duties.
He proceeded to propose three ways in which that can be addressed. They include; State and non-state agencies to coordinate on security of election officials, criticizing the government whenever it tries to interfere with elections and organizing conferences aimed at calling for peaceful elections and respect of staff.
“Organize national conferences to solicit for peaceful elections and respect to staff,” he added.
Several electoral officials have lost their lives in their line of duty. One of the most notable case is that of Chris Musando, who was IEBC’s ICT officer. Musando was killed in 2017.
Another notable case is that of Embakasi Returning officer Daniel Musyoka who was murdered during the 2022 general elections.
Chebukati also did not spare rogue electoral officials in his speech. He proposed that members of the commission who intend to altar the outcome of elections should face consequences of their actions.
“The Commission should be left to do its work. All other agencies should merely support and not run the election. Enact stringent laws and impose hefty penalties and other serious punishment for members of the commission inclined to change the will of the people expressed on the ballot,” Chebukati said.
