Referendum will only cost Sh2B - ODM tears apart IEBC's Sh14B estimate

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has issued a statement discrediting IEBC Sh14 billion estimate for the anticipated referendum.

Speaking from Chungwa House, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna claimed that the alleged exaggeration of the budget was a ploy by IEBC to embezzle public funds.

"The Chickengate scandal has already taught us that what seems like overshooting the budget and wanton wastage, is in fact clear manifestation of theft.

"We are certain that if we left the chicken out of the IEBC's so called budget we can deliver a referendum at a cost of no more than Sh2 billion," Mr Sifuna stated.

ODM party leader Raila Odinga had earlier issued an independent statement breaking down the costs that he deemed reasonable.

"Among countries with established tradition of holding regular elections, the cost per voter ranges from approximately $1 to $2. There is absolutely no excuse why Kenya, with a long history of holding elections, should pay more.

"In a country with government institutions including police stations, schools, national and county government offices and government vehicles in every corner in addition to a fairly well developed transport infrastructure, we should be able to conduct a one ballot referendum at no more than Ksh 2 billion for 20 million voters," the former Prime Minister stated.

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati termed the ODM party leader's sentiments as "very unfortunate, lacking objectivity and lacking understanding in the conduct of elections".

ODM's message to Chebukati

Mr Sifuna responded to the hit out at the party's leader calling Chebukati's statement "laughable".

"It is laughable that through some warped logic, Mr Chebukati had the nerve to tie the Rt Hon Raila Odinga to the cost of 2010 Referendum, suggesting quite interestingly that just because Mr Odinga was on the 'YES' side of the 2010 referendum, he bears a level of responsibility for the cost at the time," he stated.