Four Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) employees have been detained on suspicion of planning to commit electoral fraud. A presiding officer of a polling station in the Kanyadoto ward, two deputy presiding officers of polling stations in the Kanyadoto ward, and a clerk of a polling station in the neighboring Kwabwai ward were among the four, according to Ndhiwa Sub County Police Commander Paul Rioba, who confirmed the case.
The four were transported to Ndhiwa police station after being detained at a residence in Riat village, Kanyikela ward, according to Rioba. He claimed that before police were summoned to find them, suspicious members of the public raised an alarm.
The residents accused them of holding a meeting to plan how they will mark and stuff ballot papers in favour of certain candidates. Rioba said they interrogated the suspects and handed them to the IEBC, which will take appropriate action against them.Concerned residents stormed the home and arrested the four as others escaped, accusing them of being partisan and out to breach the electoral laws.
Residents frog-matched the four suspects before they were handed over to police, though some other officials escaped to avoid arrest after sensing danger.
Ndhiwa parliamentary candidate Michael Agwanda described the matter as unfortunate.
“We’re calling on the police to ensure those who escaped are arrested and charged accordingly,”
He argued that such activities are likely to undermine the credibility of the tomorrow’s general election in the constituency. Interface Community Help Desk leader Oloo Gor condemned the incident saying the suspects should be brought to book.
“Any act of partisanship shouldn’t be allowed in the election especially from IEBC officials. It’s against the electoral code of conduct,”
Meanwhile, the IEBC county Manager Frederick Apopa assured residents of credible elections.