An African Electoral Observation mission is confident the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will deliver credible polls on October 26.
The African Electoral Observation Group (AEOG) in a statement noted that though there are many challenges that have dogged the commission, it can still deliver credible polls.
Robert Foulser and Ola Thomas Olufemi in the statement said according to the Star: “We note that in the last 60 days, the commission suffered immense attacks and has become the main issue leading to October 26. It has been an exploitation of its real and manufactured weaknesses with the main objective of completely obstructing and scuttling the election body.”
They said that violence meted out on a section of IEBC staff from Nyanza region is to be blamed on a section of political players.
In the past week, IEBC’s officers have been attacked while undergoing training in Siaya, Homa Bay and Kisumu areas.
“These are actions perpetrated by specific political players in the election. This has led to intimidation and obstruction of a constitutionally mandated process and a gross violation of human rights.
“IEBC officials nevertheless soldier on in the midst of difficulty and danger to their own lives,” they added.
AEOG maintained October 26 remains the only irreducible minimum for the country.
“Kenya should stick to the side of constitutionalism, the rule of law and the integrity of its institutions.”
The election observer mission issued the statement following resignation of Dr Roselyn Akombe as a commissioner for IEBC.
Akombe had earlier said the commission cannot conduct free and credible polls.
IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati in response to Akombe’s statement said he cannot guarantee Kenyans credible polls either.