JAP wants to influence the Electoral Commission to rig in its candidates in the Kericho senatorial and Bomet MCA by-elections, Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto has said.
Nyangores ward in Bomet county goes to the polls today, where JAP's Richard Leitich will vie against MDP's Andrew Martim, while Kericho votes on March 7.
Speaking to journalists in Kericho town on Tuesday, Rutto urged the IEBC to work professionally to restore its reputation after past accusations of mishandling elections.
He said the Kipsigis community will not be bought.
“Today’s Kipsigis cannot be compared with yesterday’s, who were made to sing to the tune of planted individuals in elections,” Rutto said.
However, speaking in his Kericho office, IEBC county returning officer Moses Sunkuli said the agency's offices are open for scrutiny by anyone who suspects the commission of planning to rig.
He dismissed as propaganda that the electoral body is out to rig in JAP candidates in the Kericho and Bomet by-elections.
“Candidates should get highly knowledgeable and educated agents to monitor events at all polling stations and cannot be bought or influenced,” Sunkuli said.
He said the electoral agency is ready to give civic education to all agents ahead of any elections.
"That has not happened since those eyeing political seats were not ready to give us their agents in time for such education," Sunkuli said.
