IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati on Sunday, June 5, assured Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga of a free and fair election and promised to address concerns expressed by the five-time presidential candidate. 

Speaking at the Bomas of Kenya, where he cleared Odinga to vie for the presidency, Chebukati assured that all 11 issues raised by the Former Premier would be addressed by the IEBC as soon as it was done with the clearance of candidates. 

Among the concerns the Azimio flagbearer wanted to be addressed include the appointment of election managers; the role of technology; and the integrity of the voter register. 

Azimio One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga presents his concerns to IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati at the Bomas of Kenya on Sunday, June 5, 2022. IEBC 

The ODM party leader particularly wanted clarification on the electronic identification of voters and transmission of results from the polling stations to the national tallying centre and the compliance of the statutory deadlines.

"I have heard your statement and issues you have raised on matters election. I just want to reiterate that the commission is focused on giving Kenyans a free fair and credible election," Chebukati stated. 

On technology, Chebukati disclosed that the commission would conduct a mock transmission exercise in the next few days. 

"On what you referred to as simulation or the dry run of technology will be done here at the Bomas on or before June 9, and your agencies have been invited to be part of that process.

"We are where we are supposed to be in terms of our election timeline, the commission is focused and Kenyans should not get worried," the IEBC Chair assured.

Speaking during his clearance on June 4, UDA presidential candidate William Ruto asked the Chebukati-led commission to ensure a verifiable election without hitches. The DP called on his supporters to protect his votes.

"I want to ask all our supporters across the country that this is a moment of our right time and we must do everything to protect it from unnecessary sideshows," he remarked.

President Uhuru Kenyatta's handshake partner also condemned the destruction of his and his opponent's electoral campaign material. He called for Kenyans to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the election process. 

"We have seen some goons dealing with our billboards in other parts of the country. That is an act of hooliganism which is primitive and should not be tolerated in a civil society. And I would urge our supporters not to interfere or to try to defecate any billboards or publicity materials belonging to our opponents," he noted

Deputy President William Ruto (left) and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua at the Bomas of Kenya on Saturday, June 4, 2022 DPPS