Jubilee warns IEBC against involving UN in repeat poll

Jubilee MPs have warned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) against involving the United Nations in the preparation of the presidential election slated for October 26, 2017.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale told Parliament that Kenya is not a failed State to call for the intervention of the United Nations.

“We don’t care who runs the election but we want IEBC to open polling stations on October 26. I am shocked that IEBC is asking for the intervention of the United Nations Development Programme,” Mr Duale said.

The commission on Monday revealed that UNDP had offered to help it procure ballot papers and other election materials for the repeat poll under a programme dubbed “Strengthening the Electoral Process in Kenya.”

The fate of Dubai-based firm Al Ghurair, which was awarded the Sh2.5 billion contract to print ballot papers for the August 8 polls, remains unclear.

READ: IEBC turns to UN agency to deploy poll gadgets

IEBC says UN staff will also be part of its IT officials who will monitor the two electronic systems that identify voters and transmit results.

The agency is awaiting the Treasury’s advice on the UNDP deal. But Mr Duale warned IEBC that the Public Procurement and Disposal Act outlaws it from circumventing the law in having the UN body finance the poll.

READ: Supreme Court says IEBC failures led to poll nullification

The Supreme Court annulled the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta on September 1, citing irregularities and illegalities in the transmission of results, and ordered a repeat election within 60 days.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who petitioned against Kenyatta’s win, has said he will not participate in the poll if the elections board picks Al Ghurair and French digital security firm OT-Morpho for the repeat poll.