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Leaked IEBC memo reveals what Akombe told Chebukati before resigning

Dr Akombe asked Mr Chebukati tough questions which up to today, lack quality answers.

The memo by former IEBC Commissioner Roselyn Akombe dated October 9, is said to have raised critical issues to the IEBC chairman Mr Chebukati in regard to the repeat polls, and which sought to push for the sacking of IEBC key staff at Nairobi’s head office.

"With well-orchestrated verbal attacks and accusations in virtually every plenary meeting, could one say that there is even free speech and tolerance for difference in views in our own boardroom?"

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"It appears there's a deliberate plan to silence some of us from airing our views. In whose service is this?" Ms Akombe asked.

In the document seen by the Star, Ms Akombe cited acts of insubordination by the commission secretariat, with critical decisions being voted down by the plenary, verbal attacks and physical threats.

"Are there instructions to isolate some of us and make us irrelevant in the operations of the commission? Are there issues that are being safely kept away from us?" she asked Mr Chebukati.

Ms Akombe further disclosed that the Commission is currently run by four individuals, but the memo failed to disclose the identities of the officers involved.

She added: "We cannot purport to be acting on behalf of the Kenyan people and in accordance with the constitution yet our decisions are shrouded in secrecy.”

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The ex-commissioner complained to the IEBC chairman of a case in which she was physically threatened by a fellow commissioner on September 18, the fateful day she resigned.

Defied court orders

Further to this, Ms Akombe expressed fears with the chairman on the blatant decision to defy Supreme Court orders which sought the access to servers and key material used in the August 8 elections

"I still find it unacceptable that we still have not asked tough questions and taken action on staff at the IEBC headquarters...we lost the Supreme Court case because of non-compliance with court orders regarding scrutiny of forms and opening of servers," she told Mr Chebukati.

She added: "Who was responsible for ensuring compliance with court orders? If we can take action against returning officers and their deputies, why can't we do the same for the Nairobi-based staff who have led to the loss of billions of shillings lost in the voided election.”

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She disclosed that nothing serious has been changed at the commission in regards to the project team  recently constituted by IEBC chairman Mr Wafula Chebukati to run the repeat polls.

"Key issues related to this election ranging from technology to training are still being managed by the same headquarters staff...Is the project team under siege? Is it able to project leadership and build confidence in our preparation?" she asked.

Ms Akombe raised issues with Chebukati on why changes to the staff have not been implemented despite agreements and concessions by political players taking part in the October 26 vote.

"Frankly, what is so difficult in asking a few staff to step aside even on annual leave as part of confidence-building measures to establish a conducive environment for elections?" she asked.

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Meanwhile, IEBC chairman Mr Wafula Chebukati in a press conference a shortly after the resignation of the most vocal of all commissioners reiterated that the elections will go on as planned.

Nasa presidential candidate Mr Rail Odinga on his part in a campaign trail in Nairobi’s Kamukunji grounds, changed tone from ‘No Reforms, No Elections’ call to ‘No elections’. Mr Odinga wrote to the IEBC fortnight ago demanding to withdraw from the race.

Ruling Jubilee’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has on his part maintained that the elections will be held, whether Mr Odinga takes part or fails to. Mr Kenyatta, despite pleas from Mr Odinga, has ruled out any possibility of holding talks with him.

IEBC Commissioner Roselyn Akombe quit the Commission on Wednesday while in the US, citing lack of preparedness and quipped that she would not be part of the mockery awaiting the commission after the October 26. Mr Chebukati on his part has maintained that he will at all costs guard his reputation at the Commission.

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