IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati has revealed that the electoral commission has commenced the process of the audit of the Register. While addressing the press during the weekly briefing, Chebukati confirmed KPMG are responsible for auditing the Register, “The audit shall be undertaken by KPMG for a period of 21 days with effect from 31st March, 2017,” said Chebukati, “We appeal to all actors to support this process.”
Moreover, the IEBC Chairman has urged the political parties which haven’t submitted their party membership list submissions to do so urgently to enable the Commission to publicize the lists as required by law. He, however, commended the registered parties that have delivered their submissions, 57 in number. Giving an update on political party nominations, the IEBC Chairman said, “Section 31(2B) of the Elections Act, 2011 requires political parties to submit to the Commission the names of persons contesting in their party primaries and the dates of the party primaries at least 21 days before the intended party primaries.”
Wafula Chebukati, however, insisted that no form of violence will be tolerated during the electioneering period, “The Commission has noted with concern the increasing reports of violence in various parts of the country,” said Chebukati, “We wish to inform all political parties and candidates that the Commission will not tolerate any form of violence during political rallies and other political engagements.” This comes after violence was witnessed in an ODM rally in Migori County.
Concerning the deployment of the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) by Safran Identity and Security, Chebukati said the first batch is expected by mid this month, “The supplier has undertaken to deliver all the 45,000 kits in time for testing and certification 60 days before the elections as required by the law.” He added that once the commission receives the kits, it will hold a public exhibition to showcase how the new system works.
