ODM Leaders Gang up Against Chebukati, Demand IEBC Puts Everything on Hold

A section of ODM Party leaders has expressed their lack of confidence in the IEBC and its leadership as currently constituted.

Speaking on Friday in Homa Bay County, several ODM Party leaders noted that they are not confident with the current IEBC under the leadership of Wafula Chebukati.

Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga appeared to suggest that Chebukati should not hold the office since the last election he presided over was nullified.

“Chebukati presided over a presidential election that was nullified by the Supreme Court. This was the first presidential poll to be overturned in Africa. Chebukati is still at the helm of the electoral agency.

 “I really fear if Chebukati still heads the polls body. We will consult with MPs and find a solution. We cannot allow this country to be plunged into chaos because of polls not properly conducted,” she said.

Gladys Wanga and other leaders. [Photo: Courtesy]

Her point was echoed by Ugunja MP Opiyo Wanadayi who noted that IEBC should put everything on hold until it is properly constituted.

According to Wandayi, the polls body lacks proper composition and is therefore not in the right shape to start preparing for the 2022 polls.

“IEBC under Chebukati should stop everything. This includes the hiring of returning officers and the county electoral officers… I want IEBC to wait. They can afford to wait to be fully constituted within two to three weeks. They will then commence the process to recruit a substantive office holder as the CEO currently held by Marjan Hussein Marjan in an acting capacity,” he said.

Kisumu Senator Fred Outa also weighed in on the IEBC conversation noting that anything IEBC does not may be deemed illegal due to lack of a proper composition.

“Even the budget they sought is illegal until after the commissioners are sworn in,” Outa said.