In Kenya, was the president of the electoral commission targeted by a plan of kidnapping, assassination during the announcement of the results of the presidential election of August 2022? This is the accusation launched Tuesday, January 17 by William Ruto, the president elected after this election.
With our correspondent in Nairobi, Florence Morice
What happened behind the scenes at the Kenyan Electoral Commission on August 9, 2022 when the results were announced? In front of the cameras, live on television, a scene of chaos unfolds. A fight between the president of this electoral commission, Wafula Chebukati and supporters of the losing candidate Raila Odinga.
Tuesday, William Ruto accused his opponents of trying to ” to remove ” the president of the commission, and even to have wanted the “ murder “, in order to “ paralyze this commission and to prevent the announcement of his victory. The Head of State more generally denounces a ” plan “prepared for a long time intended for” subvert the will of the people with blackmail, threats, and corruption.
Accusations refuted by the opposition
Several leaders of Raila Odinga’s party retaliated. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna challenges the Head of State to provide “proof” of these “serious” “accusations” Other elected officials denounce remarks “ conspiracy theorists and ask that an investigation be conducted to remove doubts. The day before, when leaving office, the outgoing chairman of this commission, Wafula Chebukati pleaded for a commission of inquiry to be set up. So that ” to reinforce ” according to him, “ the independence of the commission ” and ” create a future electoral environment free from harassment, intimidation “.
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