Four Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials have been arrested for allegedly preparing to engage in electoral malpractices.
Ndhiwa Sub County Police Commander Paul Rioba said the four included a presiding officer of a polling station in Kanyadoto ward, two deputy presiding officers of polling stations in Kanyadoto ward and clerk of a polling station in the neighbouring Kwabwai ward.
Rioba said the four were arrested at a home in Riat village in Kanyikela ward, before being taken to Ndhiwa police station.
He said suspicious members of the public raised an alarm before police officers were called to come for them.
The residents accused them of holding a meeting to plan how they will mark and stuff ballot papers in favour of certain candidates.
Rioba said they interrogated the suspects and handed them to the IEBC, which will take appropriate action against them.
Concerned residents stormed the home and arrested the four as others escaped, accusing them of being partisan and out to breach the electoral laws.
Residents frog-matched the four suspects before they were handed over to police, though some other officials escaped to avoid arrest after sensing danger.
Ndhiwa parliamentary candidate Michael Agwanda described the matter as unfortunate. “We’re calling on the police to ensure those who escaped are arrested and charged accordingly,” he said.
He argued that such activities are likely to undermine the credibility of the tomorrow’s general election in the constituency.
Interface Community Help Desk leader Oloo Gor condemned the incident saying the suspects should be brought to book.
“Any act of partisanship shouldn’t be allowed in the election especially from IEBC officials. It’s against the electoral code of conduct,” Gor said.
Meanwhile, the IEBC county Manager Frederick Apopa assured residents of credible elections.
By Davis Langat
