We will count our own votes - Raila vows

juma chrispinus

April 6, 2017 8:36 AM

Raila argues that it is unfair for the IEBC to have injunctions for a parallel tallying centre

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Just after picking him as the NASA flag bearer, ODM leader Raila Odinga has insisted that the plan to have a parallel tallying centre is still in place.

Citing case studies of Ghana and the US, Odinga has said that the parallel tallying centre will only ensure credible polls.

Speaking at his Apoda home shortly after meeting over 100 leaders from Keiyo Marakwet, Odinga vowed to honor the summon by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati, adding that a denial by the polls team a chance to tally their results would amount to sinister.

Also Read:You won't count your votes - IEBC lashes at Raila

“It is not fair for the IEBC to deny us the chance of tallying our own results because their refusal is a sinister. But we will meet the IEBC and discuss the way forward,” Odinga told the press.

Following the Sunday remarks by Odinga while at a rally in Nairobi’s Kibera slum that NASA will have its own tallying centre, he has received varied criticism of creating an avenue to spark violence during the August polls.

IEBC termed the moved uncalled for, with its chairman Wafula Chebukati arguing that his commission is the only constitutionally mandated body to collate, collect, count and announce results.

Mr Chebukati has convened a meeting with the former premier later today (Thursday) to deliberate on the issue.

In equal measure Jubilee party reprimanded Odinga, adding that such a move is a sign of cowardice and that NASA has sensed defeat in August.

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