Former chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Wafula Chebukati has once again praised Kenya’s 2022 election process and results.
In a statement, Chebukati revealed how he made a presentation in Portugal on ‘Kenya 2022 Election Success Story: Leveraging Technology for Increased Election Integrity.’
Further, the former chairman delivered the speech on Tuesday, November 14, at the 19th International Electoral Affairs Symposium and Awards Ceremony in Portugal.
“Greetings from Lisbon, Portugal where I delivered a keynote presentation at the 19th International Electoral Affairs Symposium and Awards Ceremony titled “Kenya 2022 Election Success Story: Leveraging Technology for Increased Election Integrity”, he noted.
At the same time, the purpose of his speech was to “explore the lessons learned and challenges faced such as misinformation and disinformation, which has become one of the biggest threats to the development of democracy in today’s world.”
According to the International Electoral Affairs, “Kenya is a stellar example of how technology can be leveraged in election management to deliver a transparent, accountable and credible democratic process with integrity.”
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In addition, the four-day event brought together representatives from the electoral democracy community to share the best practice initiatives in more than 120 countries.
The International Centre for Parliamentary Studies in collaboration with the Portuguese National Electoral Commission planed the event to draw leading figures in the world of electoral affairs and recognize excellence in electoral management.
Chebukati tenure
Wafula Chebukati was the first IEBC Chairperson to complete the six-year tenure.
Notably, he oversaw the 2017 and 2022 general elections even though his integrity has been questioned.
Following the hotly contested August 9, 2022 polls, Chebukati declared William Ruto the winner amid fierce protests from Azimio leader Raila Odinga who came second.
and his allies described Chebukati as a defender of democracy who saved “the will of the people” from being manipulated.
Odinga accused Chebukati of mismanaging the 2017 and 2022 elections – with the opposition chief challenging the outcome at the Supreme Court.
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During the 2022 elections, IEBC split, after commissioners differed on the reporting of results towards the end of the process.
Before Chebukati exited the office in January, Ruto showered him with praises for doing his work under challenging circumstances and resisting bribery and intimidation attempts.
“We also know that there was a direct attempt to abduct Wafula Chebukati and murder him so that the commission would be paralysed or a blind commissioner would take over and subvert the people’s sovereignty. It was a hard, cold, and lonely time. The threats were dire, the promise rewards very lavish, and the pressure relentless,” President Ruto said.
Chebukati has managed to maintain a low profile since leaving IEBC.
