I Exit IEBC a Very Contented Man, Chebukati Says on His Last Day in Office

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, who is set to leave office on Tuesday, says he is a “contented man”.

Speaking on Monday during the launch of the Post‒Election Evaluation Report for the August 2022 Election, Chebukati stated that he is satisfied with the contributions he made to the commission during his six-year tenure, adding that his team has set a pace for their successors.

“I exit a very contented man, and I say we gave it our best. We chatted and weathered the storms that threatened the existence of the commission, we endured relentless fatigue in our preparation for election. We mastered high courage to overcome perils of democracy and we delivered the sacred will of the people of Kenya,” Chebukati remarked.

He reiterated that the results of last year’s presidential election reflected the will of the people and were credible as affirmed by the apex court.

“We have met our fair share of contributions towards strengthening democracy in Kenya. We hold that the August 2022 election – whose presidential results were upheld by the Supreme Court were free fair, credible, transparent and impartial,” he added.

He cited funding as well as intimidation, profiling, and even abduction of IEBC officials as the major challenges facing the commission.

“The commission is expected to be funded within the 5-year electoral cycle but this doesn’t happen, we normally get funding the last election year. This hinders electoral activity,”he added.

Chebukati is exiting the election body alongside commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu whose terms also expire on January 17th.