Nairobi, KENYA: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission IEBC on Monday met with presidential candidates and their representatives in a consultative meeting geared to discuss the way forward on sourcing the new tender for presidential ballot papers.
In their submissions in Nairobi, President Kenyatta through Senate majority Kithure Kindiki ,declined being part of the tendering process but instead asked the commission to use its independence to approach the issue and ensure elections are held on 8th August as stipulated in the constitution.
NASA leader Raila Odinga was represented by James Orengo, Jonstone Muthama, Willis Otieno and Junet Mohamed.
Orengo who is also a lawyer, urged IEBC to incorporate courts directives of public participation to ensure the process is transparent and fair to all players.
“Lets incorporate courts directives by ensuring that public also get a chance to participate in tendering process.” Said Orengo.
Thirdway Alliance presidential candidate Ekuro Aukot asked Chebukati to ensure the meeting does not degenerate into a Jubilee-NASA contest as tempers had started flaring up.
On the other hand Mohammed Dida expressed his displeasure with how the meeting was conducted.
“There are meetings I usually refer to as shameful and this is one of them.” Said Dida.
All parties represented at Monday’s meeting were also in agreement that the August 8 election date was non-negotiable.
After the meeting, IEBC is expected to analyse and engage other stakeholders before making a final decision.
