Nyanza Leaders Reject IEBC's Plan to Hold Repeat Election in the Region

A section of Church and political leaders drawn from Nyanza have opposed plans by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct the repeat presidential election in the region on October 28th (Saturday).

On Thursday, the electoral commission postponed the poll in four counties of Kisumi, Homa Bay, Migori and Siaya due to security issues and announced it would held on Saturday.

“We might have to postpone the election in some other constituencies other than those in Siaya, Migori, Kisumu and Homa Bay to Saturday due to bad weather or security reasons but we will give you a comprehensive list and it will be gazetted tomorrow for purposes of voting on Saturday,” IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati said.

However, in a presser on Friday at St Stephens ACK Church in Kisumu, Church leaders said the poll could plunge the four counties into chaos and open the stage for police brutality.

They asked government to withdraw heavy police presence in the region and called on the IEBC to halt plans to hold the election.

"For Mr Chebukati to say he has requested Mr Boinnet (IG) for assistance to ensure voting takes place specifically in Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori, that is a license for State massacre in these areas because the only language Boinnet knows is that of guns and bullets," read Rev Joshua Owiti in their statement.

At the same time, political leaders led by Kisumu Senator Fred Outa, Woman Representative Rozah Buyu and a host of MPs and MCAs said no election would be held in the county.

"We know Chebukati is trying to justify his alleged 48 percent turnout in the sham elections but he must know we are not interested in their charade," said Mr Outa.

Nyando MP Jared Okello said that at the rate, one could not differentiate IEBC and Jubilee party.

"We reject their planned polls… I’m a staunch SDA adherent and our right as a church must be respected," Mr Okello said.