Ruto: ‘System’ planned Wafula Chebukati’s abduction, murder
By Wangu KanuriPresident William Ruto has sensationally claimed the ‘system’ planned to abduct and murder Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) outgoing chairman Wafula Chebukati during the August 2022 polls.
The Head of State spoke at a meeting while hosting commissions and independent office leaders at State House, Nairobi.
He said: “We also know there was a direct attempt to abduct Wafula Chebukati and murder him so that the commission would be paralyzed and a compliant commissioner takes over and subvert the people’s sovereignty. It was a hard, cold, and lonely time, the threats were dire, the promise rewards very lavish and the pressure relentless.”
President Ruto also commended Chebukati for standing his ground despite the prevailing circumstances.
“We salute with great admiration the steadfastness, integrity, and leadership through example that Wafula Chebukati provided at the IEBC. It is this uncompromising commitment to his constitutional responsibility that enabled him to lead IEBC.”
The President’s remarks come two days after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also revealed Chebukati was offered a Sh1 billion bribe to ostensibly declare Raila Odinga as winner of the election.
Gachagua, while speaking at the Bomet Stadium on Sunday, said: “Things were terrible at Bomas of Kenya (the tallying centre). Demons filled the place, some with seven horns others three tails. People were sent to bribe Chebukati with Sh1 billion so that he could announce Raila Odinga as the president, but he refused. Top army officials were sent to intimidate him but he remained firm and God touched his heart because the country would have burned.”
Additionally during the launch of the 2022 Post-Election Evaluation Report, at the Safari Park hotel, Chebukati reiterated he was, together with the commissioners and staff, threatened, intimidated, profiled, attacked, and assaulted.
“The gravity of these attempts to subvert the will of the people cannot be wished away or swept under the carpet because they may re-emerge in future elections,” said Chebukati.
The claims come four years after the death of IEBC ICT manager Chris Msando who was murdered but his killers have never been brought to book.
Embakasi East constituency returning officer Daniel Musyoka was also killed during the August 2022 polls.
Chebukati’s term of office has officially expired.