IEBC PLANNING TO FAIL KENYA YET AGAIN

Kenya’s elections have always been a flashpoint for conflict and violence on account of the electorate's huge trust deficits. Why has this become a perennial problem? The answer is that IEBC has time and again failed to organize transparent elections that reinforce the electorate’s trust in its electoral system. We expect IEBC to inspire confidence among Kenyans and other stakeholders that it can deliver a free, fair, credible, and peaceful poll in 2022. It must therefore take leadership of the electoral preparation process, increase its engagement and communication with the public and relevant agencies, and generally make critical decisions to secure the credibility of the election. Unfortunately IEBC has done very little on this front. Much of the preparations leading to the 9th August 2022 poll have not only been opaque but suspect. Latest is the election materials being found in the wrong hands. It is IEBC's response to this unfortunate incident that has worsened the situation. Reading IEBC's latest presser, is Chebukati telling the public that Smartmatic International simply handpicked its local partner (Seamless Limited)? Does it mean that IEBC had no role in vouchsafing the integrity and competence of Smartmatic's local partner? No wonder, election materials were sneaked into the country by foreign nationals and stored in private apartments. With such complacency how do we expect a free, fair, credible and verifiable election?The contradictions and outright lies by Chebukati is not something that can be glossed over. It is even appalling that a leading presidential contender has come out to defend that which is indefensible. As a consequence suspicions of a licentious affair have arisen. Given such a climate, it is unlikely that anyone will accept the outcome of this election. This non-acceptance will not only be at the presidential level but across all elective positions. Should we proceed to hold the 9th August Poll amid a potentially violent contestations? Chebukati must accept culpability and stop churning pressers that are obviously worsening the situation. Chebukati must stop digging the hole if he cares about Kenya's safety.