The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati on Saturday shocked the country after he claimed that he was visited by Raphael Tuju, Amos Wako and other members of the government at 3AM.
According to Chebukati, he was approached by these people at 3AM so that he could announce Raila Odinga as the winner in the just concluded general elections.
The commission boss further claimed he was informed that Tuju and former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, initially sought an audience with him on August 13, 2022 to dismiss the verification process.
Wafula Chebukati also claimed that Raphael Tuju promised him huge rewards but he rejected the same, arguing that he receives huge sums of money from the government to perform his duties independently.
“…at about 3am on the morning of 15th August, 2022, I was visited by Raphael Tuju, Senator Amos Wako and Advocate Kyalo Mbobu. They indicated that they had made several attempts to see me to discuss the tallying and results. I told them that I could only meet them in the presence of all Commissioners,” read Chebukati’s affidavit.
“…shortly after, all the Commissioners joined us and Senator Wako was the first to speak. His message was that the Commission should not operate in a vacuum and that it must consider the link between the election results to be declared and stability of the country which he described to be the bigger picture. He proceeded to indicate that in his tenure as Attorney General he was the election supervisor and would moderate results guided by the need to achieve law and stability.”
He added: “Raphael Tuju spoke after Senator Wako. He indicated that it was necessary for the results to be ‘moderated in favour of baba’ and that any contrary declaration of results would ‘plunge the country into chaos’. As an alternative, he suggested that in the event that it was not possible to declare ‘baba’ as the President-Elect, then the Commission should force a run-off. For this, he indicated that should his request be granted it would be adequately rewarded.”
However, sources close to Raphael Tuju have refuted Wafula Chebukati’s claims as mere wild allegations meant to save his lack of integrity. They have also reportedly challenged the commission chair to provide video and photo evidence of his so-called allegations.
At the same time, wafula Chebukati claimed that he asked the other four commissioners to give their views on the suggestion by these visitors. The 4 namely Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera, Justus Nyang’aya, Irene Masit, and Francis Wanderi agreed with the proposal to change the results in favor of Raila.
“…having heard the sentiments of Hon. Tuju and Senator Wako, I invited the Commissioners to comment. Commissioners Juliana Cherera, Justus Nyang’aya, Irene Masit and Francis Wanderi agreed with the remarks of both Senator Wako and Hon. Tuju. On the other hand, Commissioner Prof. Abdi Guliye took the view that they did not even know the result by then and that the issue could not fall for discussion, a view that was shared by Commissioner Molu and the CEO,” stated Chebukati.
“On my part, I took the firm view that I will respect the will of the people and announce the results as per the final tally from all the polling stations. As regards the incentive, I was categorical that I am adequately remunerated and do not want anything from anyone. Prof. Guliye and Commissioner Molu supported this view. The team left after about an hour.”
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