Repeat Election Officials Boycott Training In Nyanza As Attacks Increase

A huge number of repeat election officials in Suna East boycotted IEBC training in the constituency that was scheduled for today.

Ninety-eight presiding and deputy presiding officers failed to show up for the four-day training exercise even after confirming attendance.

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According to Suna East constituency returning officer Mr. Leonard Okima, a total of 201 presiding officers and their deputies were expected but only 103 turned up.

Okima expressed concern over the security of his officers saying that the political upheaval brought by the ongoing anti-IEBC demonstration caused fear among his officers.

The fear of the repeat election officials in Suna East can also be attributed to the attack of their counterparts in Bondo.

IEBC officials in Bondo were attacked by rowdy youth at Sironya Academy forcing the electoral body to indefinitely suspend the training exercise there.

Okima has asked the government to ensure that IEBC officers get better security.

There was, however, heavy police presence at the training ground and even journalists were not allowed to take photographs citing security concerns.

Other training exercises were called off in many places in Nyanza and Western regions following the failure of election officers to turn up for the program.

Also, according to Kisumu Returning Officer John Ngutahi, training was also disrupted in Awasi, Muhoroni constituency where repeat election officials were forced out of the Awasi Multicultural Christian Centre by an angry mob.

Training was, however, relocated to a safer place where police were deployed before it continued.

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IEBC Commissioner Roselyn Akombe had assured the county election officials that the commission will provide extra security to them come October 26.

“I have heard of their concerns over the security situation which is serious and I will be taking them to the commission for deliberation. We will also look at Kisumu and other counties affected to find the best way forward,” said Akombe after attending a training session in Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties on Saturday, October 14.