This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
October 22nd, 2017, marked a significant day in Kenya's electoral history as the African Electoral Observation Group (AEOG) expressed its vote of confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The group, comprising international accredited elections observers from across Africa, stated that the commission had the capacity to conduct free, fair, and credible repeat presidential elections on October 26, despite the numerous difficulties and challenges it faced.
According to the statement written by Robert Foulser and Ola Thomas Olufemi, the AEOG noted that the IEBC had suffered immense attacks in the last 60 days, with the main objective of completely obstructing and scuttling the election body. However, the group emphasized that the IEBC remained intact and capable of conducting a free, fair, and credible election.
The AEOG also highlighted the recent attacks on IEBC officials while undergoing training in Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and Kisumu areas. The group condemned these actions, stating that they were perpetrated by specific political players in the election, leading to intimidation and obstruction of a constitutionally mandated process and a gross violation of human rights.
Dr. Roselyn Akombe's resignation from IEBC on the same day sparked a heated debate, with the AEOG issuing a statement expressing its vote of confidence in the electoral commission. The group warned Kenyans not to allow politicians to subvert their fundamental political rights, as enshrined in the bill of rights, and emphasized that the electoral body should not be slandered and castigated for the actions of politicians.
IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati had earlier expressed doubts about the commission's ability to conduct free, fair, and credible repeat elections, citing the sharply divided electoral commission along partisan lines and hard stances taken by political parties. However, the AEOG remained steadfast in its support for the IEBC, urging Kenyans to stick to the side of constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the integrity of its institutions.
