Cord governors differ on anti-IEBC demos

Tana River Governor Hussein Dado has asked the Opposition to stop protests aimed at forcing electoral commissioners out of office.

The Wiper Democratic Movement governor told Cord leadership to seek dialogue and use legal means if it wanted the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission top brass to go home.

“I have decided not to participate in the protests because I love my country,” he told residents during the Madaraka Day celebrations at Hola Stadium on Wednesday, adding that his conscience would not allow him to discredit the commission.

“I find it very difficult to fight an institution that declared me governor,” he said.

Mr Dado added his position as chairman of the Council of Governors’ peace and foreign affairs committee would not allow him to “participate in activities that bring chaos in our country”.

“Since fellow governors have recognised my peace efforts, why should I compromise that position?” he asked, adding that the protests were detrimental to the country’s economy.

However in Taita-Taveta, Governor John Mruttu, who is also the vice-chairman of the council, called for the immediate dismissal of IEBC commissioners.

Speaking at Moi Stadium, Voi, during the celebrations, Mr Mruttu said the IEBC issue should be addressed fast. 

“It is obvious that Kenyans have no confidence in the commissioners so the government should resolve the matter quickly,” he said. 

He said elections were approaching and the new IEBC team needed to familiarise itself with the office.  

“The Opposition, religious leaders and lawyers have been calling for the removal of IEBC officials. By now the government should have begun the process,” he added.  

Governor Mruttu urged the agency to assure Kenyans that biometric voter registration kits would not fail. 

He said many Kenyans were concerned with the manner in which the gadgets transmit election results.