Opinion: I wonder can the IEBC Secretariat even count days?

Today, as the sudden statement after the withdrawal of Raila Odinga and Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka yesterday. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in a statement today that Dr. Ekuru Aukot could stand in their place on the ballot. But can they really? Are the IEBC and the High Court really following the electoral codes and practices that in the provisions of electoral mandate. I doubt that, by a simple sentences made by the intellectuals of Elisha Ongonya and Willies Otieno really explain what the IEBC has to do. Because this is a repeated presidential election. Today is the 11th October 2017. So the days counted to 26th October is 15 days. Which is not enough considering the law. This cannot be seen as legal!

A presidential election is initiated by the Commission publishing a notice in the Gazette as well as in the electronic and print media of national circulation. Such publication is made at least sixty days before the date of the election in the case of a general election, and, at least twenty one days before the date of an election in case of a repeat presidential election following lack of a clear winner at a general election, and, upon the office of the president becoming vacant in any other case” (Ongonya & Otieno, P: 42, 2012).

I don’t know if there has arrived any khat from Kismayo of late to the IEBC Secretariat or they are as arrogant as DP William Ruto with his fancy watch. I don’t know, but what I do know is that today is the 11th October, the day IEBC announced changes on the ballots for the upcoming fresh elections on the 26th October. That is 15 beautiful days, where the Jubilee are busy bribing fellow displeased NASA disciples, while giving away t-shirts and campaigning through the Republic.

So if the IEBC was announcing a new candidates for the repeat presidential elections, which supposed to happen 21 days before the day of the election. That means it has to by announcing today happen on the 1st November 2017 and not on the 26th October 2017. I know that is hard math for Chairman Wafula Chebukati and CEO Ezra Chiloba who follows direct orders and don’t use their brain-mass as much as they should. Still, this is very simple math. It was like if 15 + 11 became 26, you know. It is hard to understand for some fellow brothers. Maybe someone need to give some proper guidance to the gentlemen in charge at the IEBC.

I know that this Fresh Presidential Elections are not supposed to be this hard. The IEBC knows their rules and regulations, but not abiding to them. Again, they are acting all out and doing as they please. This was like trying to take the easy way out. Since the National Super Alliance pulled out. If people thinks today’s statement is final. You are wrong my friend. First the IEBC has to learn how to count, before they try to pull off another scheme benefiting the Jubilee and Kenyatta. Their gravy-train has to stop and the reforms has to appear. Peace.

Reference:

Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) – Ongonya Z. Elisha & Otieno Willies E.: “A HANDBOOK ON KENYA’S ELECTORAL LAWS AND SYSTEM – HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ELECTORAL LAWS AND SYSTEM ESTABLISHED BY AND UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF KENYA 2010 AND OTHER STATUTES”, 2012

IEBC: Press Statement on the Forthcoming Fresh Presidential Election (11.10.2017)

Opinion: Dr. Eukuru Aukot on the ballot for 26th of October Elections is not the solution!

 

“If the journey has become too tough for him, he can relax” – Uhuru Kenyatta at Voi Stadium attacking Odinga (11.10.2017)

I do not know what runs through the brilliant minds of Jubilee Party in the aftermath of the withdrawal of National Super Alliance candidate Raila Odinga and Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. I do not know if the Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto has considered the implications of their behavior, even of the consequences as mere fact. That they was calling NASA cowards and blaming him for pulling out. Like it was the God given right for one those two compete.

The growing numbers impresses me and people on the streets demonstrating, as James Orengo, called for daily demonstrations next week against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the IEBC is a sinking ship. Still, the captain and leadership still does not seem to feel the water coming through the cracks of the ship and soon running up to the deck! We can wonder if they see what is happening and if there are any signs of reflection on their behalf. Clearly, at this point it is none or very little.

Dr. Ekuru Aukot of the Thirdway Alliance is not the solution to the fatigue and the blatant disregard for electoral reform and institutional change inside the IEBC. He is just a mere pawn in imaginary fairytale made by the High Court. Therefore, to settle the gazette election of September, so that it is still is officially a go. Even though the candidate of NASA and the main opposition are out of the picture.

What is funny and also tragic is that after this ruling today, both IEBC and Jubilee has appealed the decision to let Aukot be the second on the ballot this 26th October, it is like them both know that this move will not make the process legitimate. They need NASA and Odinga on the ballot to make it seem feasible. Even Aukot has come out and said he will not be running in an election, which is not free and fair, also not credible. In the circumstances make it also so more incredible. That the IEBC been able to create this havoc and this sort of charade, that even a third party says: “we will not be pawn you need”. It is fantastic, but also sad, because the Kenyans still do not have the leadership inside the IEBC or the state to find a proper solution to the stalemate.

This while the Anti-IEBC demonstrations are growing in size and power. The NASA leadership are really generating bigger and bigger crowds. They are showing force and will. The people wants reforms and credible elections, by an electoral body they can trust! Certainly, at his very moment the IEBC and Jubilee motives are not trustworthy. That is why it is so rare that they want to appeal the High Court decision to add the Thirdway Candidate!

Chairman Wafula Chebukati and CEO Ezra Chiloba must wonder how they can settle this, as the IEBC is in a pickle and a stalemate. Between the will of the Jubilee and the reality of both court orders and their legal boundaries. Even if the National Assembly voted for amendments today, they will be challenged in the courts, as the timing and the precedence and provisions they put – are mildly speculative in favor of the ruling party.

For now there are no winner, Aukot is neither one, even if he suddenly resurrected to prominence today. Still, the stalemate is not settled and will not be for some time. Because the state and IEBC has been reluctant to change. They have clear that they will not be muffled with, even if the Supreme Court nullified the recent quest to get Kenyatta a second term.

That Kenyatta continue to blast Odinga is just self-serving and indulgent. It does not benefit the Kenyan people, neither his supposed electorate. Since they are not getting a fair test of democracy, if it continues as it does. It is as if Kenyatta shatters his own glass and blame Odinga for doing it. It is sort of the tale of his presidency; it is always someone else’s fault, not the President himself. If it was corruption, it was at the ports and not in the state house. If it was problems, it was NASA who did not comply, not that his legislation or his provisions was any good.

Therefore, we are back into a tale-spin, where the revealing character of the people in the circle of Jubilee and the IEBC will reveal themselves. If they are for rigging and for electoral malpractice. Just for the sense of safety and stability or if there are someone who cares about credible elections, that elects legitimate government. We will see what will be served, but do not expect the plate to serve quickly. The Jubilee and IEBC seems more interested in self-serving, than in due diligence. Peace.

IEBC Answer to “NASA Irreducible Minimums on Electoral Reforms before the Fresh Presidential Elections are held”

NASA Statement: “Mr. Raila Odinga’s Withdrawal from Race” (10.10.2017)

IEBC: “Withdrawal by NASA in the Fresh Presidential Election” (10.10.2017)

Opinion: Odinga’s withdrawal is a brave step hopefully towards a new beginning!

Raila Odinga and Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka decision to pull out of the Fresh Elections of 26th October 2017. Proves character, proves swagger and belief that the vision of a conducted free and fair elections under the current leadership of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Who is preparing just about a similar election as the one made on the 8th August 2017. There is lacking or no proof of any significant change after the annulment of the previous enterprise. Just a few mere small changes, that could be seen as insignificant by anyone.

Then also has the Jubilee Administration together with the IEBC undermined the efforts of changing the organization and the electoral body. It is insane to use the same companies to service the same sort of arrangement and believe that results be different. The lack of transparency and accountability for the missteps of August is proven. Instead they been steady pumping without any disregard of the consequences. They have not been listening or even showing any progress. The talks been facade and play for the gallery, as they want to stall for time. So that the National Super Alliance (NASA) would be again put in a corner and again has to petition the elections to the Supreme Court.

Uhuru Kenyatta might celebrate today, even Deputy President William Ruto, but if they do, they are foolish and ignorant to the fact. The mere election of 26th October is another front and not a real election. Since the competition is not there, there we’re two candidates on the ballot and now there are one. Certainly, this should be seen as a slap in the face of the incumbent President. The race towards 26th October has suddenly stopped.

We just have to wait and see if the NASA also writes to notify the IEBC. That is they obliged by law. But the Press Conference and officially withdrawing in public. Should really rattle the cage of the IEBC. Since their plan of same procedure should silence that. That the Jubilee throws shade and says it just continues is foolish. Because its not just to continue as usual.

That IEBC Secretariat has a hard battle to just continue and finish this one. That Chairman Wafula Chebukati and CEO Ezra Chiloba have to decide what they do, since the IEBC has not clean hands. They have to wash them and also find another soap. The soap and the water they are using is far from clean. Therefore, IEBC has to change guards and reform to become trustworthy.

Following the withdrawal of the NASA presidential candidate, the Commission and the legal team are meeting and will communicate way forward” (IEBC, 10.10.2017). We can just wait and see if the IEBC finds their way, if they will just announce Kenyatta or they will re-issue and actually try reform the electoral body.

Now is the time, his bravery is shown and now is the time for IEBC to step up their game. The cards are in play, Kenyatta is not yet the winner and neither is the date of 26th October put in stone. Since the law and the Electoral Codes has to be followed, by those provisions that are there. Peace.

South Sudan: “Subject: Appointment of Party’s General Secretary and Executive Secretaries of South Sudan United Movement” (07.10.2017)

Kenya: NASA Statement on Maa Community Talking Notes (09.10.2017)

Kenya: NASA Statement – “Uhuru must stop playing victim on Economy” (08.10.2017)