Kenya: Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) – Staff Murder, Profiling and Misleading Reports on Presidential Election (17.08.2022)

Kenya: Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) – Statement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (16.08.2022)

A look into Raila Odinga’s Statement on the Elections held on the 9th August 2022

(4)

A candidate shall be declared elected as President if the candidate receives—

(a)

more than half of all the votes cast in the election; and

(b)

at least twenty-five per cent of the votes cast in each of more than half of the counties.

(…)

(10) Within seven days after the presidential election, the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission shall—

(a)

declare the result of the election; and

(b)

deliver a written notification of the result to the Chief Justice and the incumbent President” (Kenya Constitution, 2010 – Article 138(4)+(10)).

You better hold your popcorn. We know there will be litigation and this only the first address until the petition is launched. The 9th August 2022 Presidential Election was bound to go this way. Everyone who has followed Raila Odinga’s career. Knows that he cannot accept a loss or take it on the chin. He has to challenge it and go to the Supreme Court. That was bound to happen and it’s eventually happening. I am looking forward to read the paperwork actually, because the 2017 petition was such a masterpiece. Therefore, I wonder James Orengo and his team is up to now.

However, that will be for a later date to discuss. Right now we have only his statement and the words of which he describes yesterday. The day when his team ditched the Bomas and the Declaration of the Presidential Elections of 2022. That’s why his choices of words will be interesting. I will first show a quote from Odinga and then discuss it.

On August 9, 2022, millions of Kenyans turned out in large numbers in an attempt to choose their leaders at the national, county, and local levels after long and generally peaceful campaigns. But yesterday August 15, our budding democracy suffered a major setback. As a result, Kenya faces a grave legal and political crisis as a result of the actions of Mr. Wafula Chebukati, the Chairperson of the IEBC” (Odinga, 16.08.2022).

After reading ELOG and other Election Observation Missions Preliminary Statements it is really unique seeing this sort of assessment. It is a crisis for him personally and a loss. Yes, the IEBC did declare someone else than him. Just like the previous elections with Odinga too. He is now putting himself in place of the Republic and actually creating the crisis by not acknowledging the result. However, saying it was a major set-back and crisis is all on him, and his allies. Who are all working to undermine and pin the authorities. Who until the moment of deliberations and declarations was prepared to do their process. Certainly, there is more to this and this isn’t the first time Odinga is making Chebukati a scape-goat. He did in 2017 together with Ezra Chiloba as well. So, we have seen this game plan before…

The Constitution and our laws are clear about how the IEBC should conduct its business. There is no more important role for the IEBC than the conduct, transmission, and tallying of the presidential election. We are painfully aware of past political biases by the IEBC that plunged this country into its darkest chapter. The terrible memories of the aftermath of the 2007 elections are still fresh in our minds. In 2017, the Supreme Court of Kenya nullified the presidential election again because of the misconduct of the IEBC. What we saw yesterday was a travesty and a blatant disregard of the Constitution and the laws of Kenya by Mr. Chebukati and a minority of IEBC Commissioners” (Odinga, 16.08.2022).

It is striking that you speak of law and Constitution, but will disregard one part of it. Which is in the right of Chebukati as long as he is the appointed Chairman of IEBC. That he calls this the darkest chapter. Is yet again making himself the victim and the sole custodian of the Republic. Because, he was bound for this and this was final chance of reaching the Presidency. That’s why he goes into history and uses it to trigger people’s emotions. He can call it a travesty, because he wasn’t declared, but he didn’t respect the Declaration or the ceremony. The Presidential Candidate didn’t attend or care to do so. This shows that he already had contempt and was displeased with all in advance. If he was sure of the result and knew he would win. We know Odinga would have shown up. The Chairman would have notified him too. However, that didn’t happen and that’s why he avoided it. Really weird that he says Chebukati didn’t follow the Constitution… when that’s actually what he did accordingly to the Article 138(10). So, I don’t know what Constitution Odinga is referring too.

He continues: “The law is clear on the role of the Chairperson of the IEBC. The law does not vest in the Chairperson the powers of a dictator to rule the IEBC unilaterally. The IEBC is structured as a democratic institution in which decisions must be taken either by consensus or by a vote of the majority. The Chairperson and a tiny minority of commissioners have no legal authority to take weighty decisions and proclaim them as the rulings of the IEBC. The law on the IEBC provides that UNLESS A UNANIMOUS DECISION IS REACHED, A DECISION ON ANY MATTER BEFORE THE COMMISSION SHALL BE BY A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT AND VOTING. In addition, the court of appeal in the Maina Kiai case, ruled WE ITERATE AS WE CONCLUDE THAT THERE IS NO DOUBT FROM THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE LAWS WE HAVE CONSIDERED THAT THE PEOPLE OF KENYA DID NOT INTEND TO VEST OR CONCENTRATE SUCH SWEEPING AND BOUNDLESS POWERS IN ONE INDIVIDUAL, THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE APPELLANT” (Odinga, 16.08.2022).

The Chairman of the IEBC did follow the Constitution on the matter. That we can resolve. There is no distinction there. What is striking is that 4 Commissioners who went off broke their partisan pledge and wasn’t professional in their work. They can easily be seen as a violation of the Fourth Schedule in the IEBC Act of 2011. That’s why Odinga is speaking of the Business of IEBC, but not according to the Constitution and how it says the Declaration of the Presidential Elections. When you want to be pedantic, you better use more ammunition. The 4 Commissioners can easily be questioned, if their previous offices and political affiliations resorted into this. These was sworn into Office in September 2021 ahead of the polls. These was a part of BBI and approved by the Authorities in the run-up to the elections. So, people even was prepared for their outbursts and their publicity stunt. Which can be seen as a breach of the IEBC act in itself… I don’t Odinga is considering this at all…

He further states: “That is why I, AZIMIO and the nation at large, were shocked yesterday to learn that Mr. Chebukati ALONE decided to pronounce himself on the supposed winner of the 2022 presidential elections. We understand that ONLY Mr. Chebukati ALONE had access to the tally of the presidential vote. He denied all the commissioners access to that information until he suddenly appeared before the commissioners in the late afternoon to present them with a fait accompli” (Odinga, 16.08.2022).

Here he puts himself in front of the Republic, yet again. While he pins all blame on Chebukati who only did his function and role as the Chairman of the IEBC. Where his claiming all of this. I look forward to more of the intrigue behind closed doors, because this is just distorting the process and putting everything on the Chairman. As we know the 4 Commissioners was appointed in sole regard to help the cause of Azimio and that’s obvious by their actions thereafter.

He further says: “I understand that the commission had previously agreed on the tally of the Presidential results. But barely two hours before his announcement, Mr. Chebukati called a meeting of the IEBC and revealed to them the different results he was going to announce. FOUR of the SEVEN protested Mr. Chebukati s actions. But Mr. Chebukati whose mind appeared made up did not entertain any discussion of the results, precipitating a walkout by a majority of the commissioners who promptly denounced the results at a press conference. We know what happened next. A majority of the commissioners walked out and held a press conference where they denounced the results. Our view in Azimio is clear. The figures announced by Mr. Chebukati are null and void and must be quashed by a court of law. In our view, there is neither a legally and validly declared winner nor a President-Elect. Mr. Chebukati’s announcement purporting to announce a winner is a NULLITY. He acted with gross impunity and in total disregard of the Constitution and our laws. He could have plunged our country into chaos had our supporters not exercised great restraint. Such blatant acts of impunity can be a threat to the security of our country. It is not up to us to decide whether Mr. Chebukati has committed an offense. We leave that determination to the appropriate authorities. For the avoidance of doubt, I want to repeat that we totally and without reservations reject the presidential results announced yesterday by Mr. Chebukati” (Odinga, 16.08.2022).

Here Odinga further tries to explain the actions of yesterday. It can also be seen as a Partisan Commissioners didn’t do their function and dipped out when their candidate didn’t get their way. They didn’t fulfil their duty and this is why they created such a havoc. The man who didn’t show up and the Azimio team created also lots of chaos at Bomas, as the Choir was singing. The people awaited and the Commissioners created this uncertainty. Certainly, the Chairman could easily come out and explain what went down. His surely planing to do so in the Courts. While this is more looking like a planned affair and the 4 Commissioners did what they could according to plan. It is striking that he calls it IMPUNITY and a THREAT. When his sort of rhetoric and usage of words now is more endangering. He is sowing distrust and clear vision of distorting the process. As he has the verdict and the results in his mind. Results that wasn’t declared and this why he has to prove it in the Courts now.

He ends with: “Today I do not want to fully address our strategies going forward but suffice it to note that we will be pursuing ALL CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL OPTIONS available to us. We will do so because we regard the many flaws in the elections and the wrongs committed by IEBC as FATAL to the process and the outcome announced by Mr. Chebukati. We urge Kenyans and the friends and partners of Kenya abroad to stand tall and be counted as we seek to advance the ideals of democracy and an open society that we have always stood for. We will pursue justice for our supporters and for all Kenyans so that their choices are respected and honored. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS KENYA” (Odinga, 16.08.2022).

As I said, this was bound to happen and we all knew that from the no-show at Bomas yesterday. We knew when Odinga didn’t show up to dance or to entertain. He would rather build a case and ensure it by any means. That’s what is up now and its obvious for us all. This is going to the Supreme Court and the Apex ones to be contested. The IEBC can use the Constitution as well, as there are stipulations in the 2010 Constitution, which is clear and the Chairman didn’t violate them. Therefore, the technicalities got to be important and prove the rigging in such a manner, which is justification of a “nullification” of the election. That’s what is the game-plan and no one should be shocked by that.

Odinga is continuing where he left off in 2017. However, the IEBC has been transparent and that gives the IEBC an edge this time. Yes, there been technical issues and reasons to question to the actions of the IEBC. Nevertheless, the enhancement of the process and the elections makes it harder to justify.

In 2017 I was openly behind Odinga’s nullification of the first Presidential Elections. This time around there is more given to the professionalism of the IEBC. That’s why it seems like a fishing expedition, unless the Azimio legal team has more ammunition. There is a need of evidence and proof, as the tally centre and everything was on the up-and-up. Odinga wouldn’t have claimed this if he won. That’s just a given… and we all know that deep in our hearts. If the 4 Commissioners voted in favour of him and ensured him a final victory. He wouldn’t have uttered a word or called a dark chapter, a crisis or illegal act.

No, he would have bashed in glory and singed psalms of Canaan. Peace.

Kenya: Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) – Human Rights Update following the Declaration of the 2022 Presidential Results (16.08.2022)

A look into the ELOG’s Statement on the Official 2022 Presidential Results

Today, the Election Observation Group (ELOG) had a press conference and their statement on the Presidential Elections. This is coming the day after the announced results and declared winner of the election. That’s why this is an important piece and as an independent organization and body, which have oversight of elections. Their words matters and their work says a lot about the election as a whole.

We know there will be people contesting and saying everything was rigged, stolen and grabbed for that matter. However, those are the ones that are dismissing or feeling betrayed by the results. They are in the first stage of shock and denial, instead of understanding the bigger picture. There have to be a winner and a loser. The winner now is the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) William Ruto. You might have expected Raila Odinga, but the results was marginally in favour of Ruto and that was enough. This is why the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IECB) Chairman Wafula Chebukati declared Ruto yesterday after many days of waiting.

Now, the ELOG statement of 12 pages is saying some things, but the main thing is verifying and showing that the elections was credible. In such a manner, that their words and tabulations of the results proves it too. That got to sting whatever defence and arguments the Azimio legal team has ahead of itself. I will show quotes from the Statement and then discuss it afterward.

Quotes from the ELOG Statement:

Based on its PVT and informed by its long-term and thematic observation, ELOG notes that, despite ongoing challenges and clear areas for reform, the 2022 General Elections registered improvements from the 2017 process and culminated in an enhanced open ·and secured results management process” (ELOG, 16.08.2022).

Voting on Election Day was relatively calm and organized with some marked improvements in voting operations and use of results technology. However, administrative and external problems persisted, such as the postponement of some elections on or just before Election Day, the inconsistent presence of voting materials such as the manual register, isolated incidents of violence, and the initial obstruction of observers” (ELOG, 16.08.2022).

Based on its findings, ELOG notes a significant drop in voter turnout compared to 77.7% in 2017 elections. Through the PVT, ELOG can confirm that both the turnout rate and the official results announced by the IEBC are consistent with its PVT projections” (ELOG, 16.08.2022).

Voter registrationELOG notes that the Commission failed to meet its target of registered voters. IEBC had targeted to register 6.o million voters through the enhanced continuous voter registration exercise but only managed to register slightly above 2.5 million voters. ELOG recommends that the Commission and the National Registration Bureau should consider harmonizing the voter register with the civil registry” (ELOG, 16.08.2022).

Election management and communicationsELOG noted that the IEBC improved its engagement and communication ‘A’ith different government agencies such as the National Police Service, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Political Parties. ELOG also noted that the IEBC increased its public outreach closer to election day to provide periodic updates on the preparations and processes. On the transmission of results, ELOG commended IEBC’s effort of conducting two public simulations for the electronic transmission of results from the polling stations. ELOG noted that the simulation had its own successes and challenges” (ELOG, 16.08.2022).

Open data and access to informationInsufficient access to key election information in the pre-election period created challenges to transparency and the ability of stakeholders to mobilize in a timely manner. The final audited voters’ list was not made available for assessment to the public or civil society, nor was the full audit report by KPMG. In addition, access to the gazetted polling stations list came very late compared to previous elections, and details on the polling standard operating procedures were not easily available, which led to a lack of clarity for voters, observers and stakeholders leading up to election day” (ELOG, 16.08.2022).

Political party nominations and campaignsELOG noted that many candidates were disqualified for not meeting registration standards and procedures. Meanwhile, a lack of enforcement of chapter 6 of the Constitution allowed some candidates with integrity issues, such as corruption charges, to run for election. That said, our observation of the campaign process was indicative of a much calmer environment despite isolated incidences of hate speech, intimidation and violence, particularly during the party primaries. Of particular concern to ELOG was the targeting of the women aspirants for abuse consistently throughout the reporting period. In addition, ELOG received reports of the misuse of state resources and noted that disinformation, particularly via social media platforms, was rampant throughout the campaign” (ELOG, 16.08.2022).

Recommendations:

3. Provision of consistent civic and voter education (as provided by the Constitution) to ensure that voters are well informed of their rights and responsibilities.

4. Punishing electoral offenses and ensuring enforcement of code of conduct for political parties or candidates.

5- Ensuring consistent openness, transparency, inclusive participation and timely access to information by the I EBC and the other agencies concerned with election management

8. Ensuring the implementation and enforcement of the campaign finance regulation and timely electoral legal reforms to avoid giving an undue advantage to the incumbents.

9. Ensuring that the results transmission process is clear and understandable to all stakeholders and that the commission shares with citizens and other stakeholders the final elections results in a granular and machine readable format.

10. Maintaining simplicity and transparency of the Election Day processes as well accuracy and verifiability of the results management and transmission processes.

11. Ensuring the safety and security of voters, observers and other stakeholders throughout the electoral process” (ELOG, 16.08.2022).

My take on the statement:

These quotes are from the legitimate and the eyes on the ground. The ones that is following the whole process, the legal side and the practical side of it all. The Election Observation Group (ELOG) has seen it all and been there. That’s why this ELOG statement is important.

We are seeing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had it’s challenges before hand and after. The ELOG states the affair has been enhanced since 2017. It has also became secured. This election has been done without faults and that’s obvious. However, the quotes from the statement shows the growth and the manner of which was more transparent then ever before. Also, the show of integrity and finesse, which makes the announcement of the results credible. That in combination with the ELOG Tally of Results, which is so close to the IEBC pronounced results. This is saying something and showing it.

The IEBC should follow the recommendations and address the shortcomings to the next election. The National Assembly and the two Houses of elected officials should follow up on this and ensure legislation to secure the findings of the ELOG. That is to give more credibility to the next election in Kenya.

This statement shows a lot, but also show how far the IEBC has come. That’s why there are technicalities and errors made, but they are not in such a manner that you can easily “nullify” it. It is very compelling and that’s what some people want out of it.

Time will tell, but this Statement from ELOG is only showing what went down and addressing it. Which is mature and righteous. Looking forward to the whole report, which will be dropped within the next 60 days. Peace.

Kenya: FOCUS Kenya – Eneza Amani Memo (16.08.2022)

Kenya: Office of the Inspector General – National Police Service – National Police Service Statement on the Declaration of the Presidential Election Results (15.08.2022)

Kenya: Ruto beat the odds…

I want to confess that I have been prayed into victory, it is not our effort. My team knows we were working against the odds”– President-Elect William Ruto (15.08.2022)

The former Deputy President and outcast high ranking offical William Ruto was working against the grain. There was nothing the state did nor the elites did for his campaign. The state, dynasties and everyone else for that matter was on the side of Azimio.

This time around everything was going according to plan for Raila Odinga. He was vouched for by the most Governors. He was supported by a broad-based coalition and had the Party of the outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta on his side. Odinga had the backing of so many people and parties. You would think that would be enough. Clearly, it was close, but just not enough.

Ruto was able to build his own party and campaign to this extent. While the Odinga team went calculated ahead. They had the different bases and the possibilities to reach all corners of the Republic. However, the whole platform and candidacy didn’t resonate. If it had… Ruto wouldn’t have marginally won.

This defeating the dynasties and the elites. They were all lined up for Odinga. Maybe the cruise-control and thinking it was in bag… was the reason for the down-fall of the campaign. Some has even said he sold himself, but not what he wanted to do. That’s why Odinga possibly lost.

We know there will be all sort of politicking in the days ahead. It is starting right now and been going on since the Azimio camp left Bomas. That was inevitable why Odinga never showed up. He knew the gig was up and he had to play differently.

Ruto beat him against all odds. This is possibly the final campaign of Odinga and the last time he could stand. This time he had the backing and the support of which people can dream off. That is something Ruto knows. Because, Ruto had it similar in the 2017 elections. That’s why Ruto knows what he stood up against.

Even if the National Assembly is “hung” and not a clear majority. That will make it harder for Ruto. Though the UDA has the Senate and will have close to half of the House. The same can be said about the governors too. Therefore, this term will be interesting…

We know a Presidential Handshake made a difference in the previous term. Hopefully, the institutions and the integrity is to trust. Because, time will tell now or if Baba will go as the “People’s President”. That is up to him, but Ruto defied the odds.

Yes, he has been part of the government for 10 years, but also been ditched and left alone by his partner, the outgoing President Kenyatta. So, Ruto showed character and ability to sell his story. He was able to tactically win and ensure a majority. Even if the majority is as slim as it can get.

We all know this would feel different, if one of them won by a landslide. However, that wasn’t the case and this is why the Azimio wants to contest the results now. The Kenya Kwanza Alliance members can feel good and vindicated for being part of the campaign. They have won their ticket and becomes part of the government.

So, Ruto didn’t win this alone, but he did so with Moses Wetangula and Musalia Mudavadi. These are the leaders to look out for. They were able to gain enough votes and become the victors. It is their day today. These folks can celebrate and rightfully so. Peace.

Opinion: The game to discredit IEBC is now on

Today, the game is now on… the politicking and the way of using the Presidential Elections results in their favour or not. Tonight the leaders of Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance will build their case and petition the Supreme Court. While the team of spokespersons, elected officials and activists will all dismiss what went down. They will tarnish the Chairman Wafula Chebukati and the whole Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). This was started with the walk-out and the improvised Press Conference outside of Bomas earlier today.

Now, as the closest election in living memory. The one that United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Presidential Candidate William Ruto won by the smallest margin. This was as narrow as it can get. It wasn’t a landslide and certainly not as big as you should expect. The end of it all is that there was just enough of majority to pull it off.

We will certainly see all the people from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the allies of the Azimio, all putting on a performance and ensure the stories are correct. They will do whatever to make it “nullified”. That is the mission now, as the National Super Alliance (NASA) did in the 2017 elections. This is the game-plan and they got to sell those ideas to the people as well. They have to make it believable this time.

It will be harder to do so. Haven’t the Azimio been part of the whole process from the local tallying and accepting the results, which has come to the National Tally centre? Haven’t the Azimio team been part of the different streams and ensured the protocols was being made fra 34A-34B to the final 34C.

That’s the game here and they have to prove the malpractice now. They have to state with definitive doubt that something shady was going on. When the whole data is already uploaded to the server and the 34A’s are accessible. They are not in a hidden server and the data isn’t in some far-away algorithm. No, it is in plain sight. That’s why it’s harder to prove mischief and say it was rigging.

The Azimio team now has to prove it and I remember reading the paperwork for the nullification of the 2017 elections. The same has to be done now. They have to show it and properly do so. There has to be more than hearsay. It cannot just be grievances and tears. The Azimio team has to come to court with evidence and witnesses. Until then… the declared winner is Ruto.

That is the game and Odinga knew this. He has been here before and we knew something was up when he wasn’t coming to Bomas today. Baba would have showed up, if he believed the results would be in his favour. However, he dipped out, because he rather build a case and ensure people believe his case.

This is what is happening now and we should await a petition to the Supreme Court. The Azimio team better assemble and collect all evidence they have. Because, the IEBC has this time been smat as well. By the ability to point at the server of all 34A forms. This is why it isn’t all talk and making the results questionable.

So, expect everyone in Azimio to try to dismiss, distort and discredit the IEBC. That is a given and they got too. They have to change the perception and make it believable that it was a mirage, and the IEBC tricked everyone. That’s what they will be doing and it’s so obvious. Peace.

Opinion: Will Baba go back to his ordinary “Playbook” of electioneering again?

Raila claimed yesterday that they had tallied and won; today, they claim that this is the most mismanaged election they have ever witnessed. After politicians, fear politicians again!” (Jonah Kirabo, 15.08.2022).

Saitabao Ole Kanchory: We have intelligence reports, their system was penetrated and hacked. As I said before, Bomas of Kenya is a scene of crime” (Jicho TV Kenya, 15.08.2022).

Saitabao Ole Kanchory: We have intelligence reports that their system was penetrated and hacked and that some of the IEBC officials actually committed electoral offences and some of them ought to have been arrested if they were not arrested” (Citizen TV Kenya, 15.08.2022).

UPDATE: Azimio officials demand to see presidential election results, verify them before asking Raila to attend announcement event at Bomas. Says Chebukati has been elusive today” (EAMGtv, 15.08.2022).

The 9th August 2022 General Elections have been successfully done. Now the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance spearheaded by 5 time Presidential Candidate Raila Odinga. There are rumours and speculations to why he isn’t showing up to Bomas for the announcement of the winner of the Presidential Elections.

This election haven’t been like the previous one for that matter. In 2017 there was secret serves, agreements, interference from the well-versed Cambridge Analytica and other matters that made it possible to “annul” or make the results “null and void” in the Supreme Court. In 2022 on the other hand. Whatever results that is proclaimed today at Bomas is much harder. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has published the 34A Forms on their server and it’s public for everyone to make a tally. Therefore, the counts and the votes are in the public. It takes much more to scrutinize now.

So, if the Azimio calls it quits and says there been tampering. If the Azimio claims of electioneering and rigging. The now Governor-Elect James Orengo and team better have evidence and proof of the mischief. Because, the Azimio has seen the process and is calling out the team now. It is also rare that the candidate isn’t showing up in defiance. That’s a sign that Odinga knows there is only bad news ahead.

That’s why this election is different and IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati has played this one out softly. He knew he would be in trouble if he winged it or made amends. The IEBC had to be clear and play by the rules. Yes there been plenty of days since he ballots was cast. The die was already cast. The verdict was to verified and ensured. Especially with postponement after mismanaged procurement of ballots to certain counties. That was later fixed, but the whole picture is good with the small malfunctions that were. Therefore, the characteristic of “rigging” and “electioneering” now seems like a losers excuse.

It is hard to imagine that Odinga lost. Because, he had the whole system, government and everyone who mattered behind him. He had a broad coalition, a huge platform and a career as a solid politician. However, that was possibly not enough and it didn’t resonant with enough people. The elites might wanted him and they cherished him, as he joined hands with Jubilee and was the candidate of Kenyatta.

Nevertheless, it is now possible that Ruto will be announced and proclaimed winner of the 9th August 2022 elections. That’s why Azimio before that is calling it out and dismissing it. Saying it was fabricated and fixed. This being hard to say… when everyone with a calculator can access and count on an excel spreadsheet with the 34A forms, if they like.

The IEBC used these days from the 9th August to the 15th August to verify the results. To do the checks and balances. So, it is rich to ask for evidence and proof of verification as the results are announced. That sounds a losers game and delegitimizing the whole affair. This seems like the game-plan ahead of a possible litigation. The Azimio knows the bad news and is therefore going back to scheduled programming. That being claiming it was “rigged” and taking it to the Courts.

The Azimio team is right taking it to the Courts. However, dismissing it and not entertaining the affair. Just show the bitterness that you yet again lost an election. The election of your life and the final straw in your long career. This was Odinga final journey and he could never reach Canaan. Maybe his son Joshua can, but he himself? Doesn’t seem so.

Raila Odinga and his team should reflect on themselves. They can build a case and show their evidence. However, this election has all been mature and shown character of all parties. That shouldn’t be destroyed now. The confidence of the IEBC is strong and the resilience is clear. The indication of anything else… is just hearsay right now.

That’s why it’s tragic to be like this in the moments ahead of the declaration and announcement of the winner of the Presidential Election of 2022. Peace.