Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya has called out the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for suspending gubernatorial elections in Kakamega and Mombasa counties.
Oparanya, taking to social media, has alleged that the move is a plot by the IEBC to rig elections in the two counties perceived to be Raila Odinga’s strongholds.
“IEBC decision to suspend gubernatorial elections in Kakamega and Mombasa counties is a scheme to rig the elections. The announcement has shocked us considering the amount of resources and time we have put into campaigns and shows how unprepared the IEBC is to conduct free, democratic and fair elections,” Oparanya said.
Oparanya is also afraid that the suspension is part of a wide scheme to suppress voter turnout in the counties.
“I question why they had to stop gubernatorial elections in Azimio presidential candidate Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s strongholds and the backyards of two key ODM deputy Party Leaders. I am fearing that the move will affect voter turnout in the two counties that Raila was banking on for numbers that will propel him to victory,” he said.
He added that the announcement has already caused tension in the counties and can lead to chaos if not managed well.
“Despite the setback, I call on our supporters to turn out in large numbers tomorrow and vote for Azimio candidates and also be calm and maintain peace as the matter is being handled. They have only delayed our victory, but it is still ours for the taking,” he concluded.
IEBC also suspended parliamentary elections in Pokot South and Kacheliba constituencies.
Sam Oduor is the founder and one of the editors at WKT. With a strong background in Communication and Journalism, Sam is an experienced digital media expert currently building a team of young professionals dedicated to telling the story of our community in a unique, authentic way.
