Uhuru makes U-Turn, sends urgent message to Chebukati

dennis kibet

October 23, 2017 9:55 AM

President Kenyatta has sent a surprise message to IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has made an abrupt U-turn on the political stalemate facing the country ahead of the repeat polls scheduled for Thursday, October 26.

State House official Dennis Itumbi said that Kenyatta was now willing to meet the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati.

According to Itumbi Kenyatta now has no conditions ahead of Thursday's polls.

The President at the same time has extended an olive branch to Chebukati for consultative talks.

"My door is open. If hebukati has something he wants discussed he is free to come and we talk over a cup of tea," Kenyatta is quoted.

Kenyatta last week was defiant and ruled out talks with the opposition and IEBC on the repeat presidential election, saying Jubilee was ready for Thursday's poll.

“We are ready for the election set for October 26 and I will not hold talks with anyone,” President Kenyatta spoke during a rally in Baringo.

“The only talks I will hold are with the people of Kenya, going to the voters to ask for votes. The IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) has been supported by taxpayers with Ksh12 billion ($115m) and their job is to organise elections and not to hold dialogue with anyone,” Kenyatta affirmed.

The President added: “I heard that they (opposition) want to have talks with me. I have no time for such talks. If Raila is not ready to vote on October 26, then he can go and sleep in his house and leave alone Kenyans who are ready to exercise their democratic rights.”

dennis kibet