ODM leader Raila Odinga now wants the chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Wafula Chebukati, to assure Kenyans that the August 9, 2022 General Elections will be free and fair.
Mr Odinga yesterday said he also expected Mr Chebukati to apologize to Kenyans for ‘mismanaging’ the August 8, 2017 elections, the results of which were overturned by the Supreme Court. , he said he would accept defeat in the next General Election if it was free and fair.
“If the election goes well – without any cases of fraud – and I lose, I will accept the results. He who does not accept defeat is not a competitor. “I have been a footballer and I know very well that competition is two things: to win or lose, ” Mr Odinga said in an interview with Kikamba-language radio stations.
Mr Odinga made the call to Mr Chebukati as some Jubilee officials demanded the IEBC chairman resign on allegations that he was leaning towards the United wing. Democratic Alliance (UDA) by Deputy President William Ruto.
“Mr Chebukati must assure Kenyans that the next general election will be free and fair. I also hope to apologize for mismanaging the 2017 elections, “he said. The Jubilee leaders, led by Nyeri Urban MP Wambugu Ngunjiri, suspect that the General Election may not be free and fair.
The Jubilee leaders began pressuring to oust Mr Chebukati after the IEBC chairman advised public servants, including ministers, to stop engaging in sectarian politics.
Mr Chebukati gave the advice after Dr Ruto asked him to take action against ministers; Dr Fred Matiang’i (Security) and Mr Joe Mucheru (ICT Technology) – for publicly announcing their support for Mr Odinga in next year’s presidential race. political campaigns.
But this year he has changed and wants them to stay out of politics. “It seems Mr Chebukati speaks UDA language. He should resign and join UDA as we do not believe he will run free and fair elections, “said Mr Wambugu. next.
“Why are Jubilee pressuring the IEBC chairman to leave now? We are very suspicious of them, “said Ms Millicent Omanga, Nomimated Senator, who is Dr Ruto’s supporter.
In September this year, ODM leaders suspended their efforts to oust Mr Chebukati.
Earlier, ODM chairperson John Mbadi and Homa Bay Women’s Representative Gladys Wanga had demanded Mr Chebukati’s resignation, claiming they did not trust him as a party
