This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
Kits to Be Used For Kibra By-Election Allegedly Hidden at Ruto's Karen Home ¶
On October 9, 2019, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) accused Deputy President William Ruto of hiding KIEMS kits at his Karen residence to rig the Kibra by-election in favor of Jubilee candidate McDonald Mariga.
According to ODM, the KIEMS kits are used to verify registration details of Kibra voters who have been invited to Ruto's residence. The party claimed that the kits are being used to access the voter register and potentially manipulate the election results.
ODM officials, led by chairman John Mbadi, met with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officers to present their concerns. The IEBC officers, led by chairman Wafula Chebukati, were accompanied by commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye.
During the meeting, ODM presented details of what they claimed was a vote-rigging scheme being operated from Ruto's official residence. They also singled out two senior ICT officials at the commission whom they alleged were working in cahoots with a former Cabinet secretary to deliver victory to Mariga.
The IEBC has instituted an internal mechanism to probe the allegations, but did not specify the nature of the malpractices under investigation.
Deputy President Ruto's office dismissed the claims, saying Jubilee does not need the kits to win the November 7 poll.
