Ex-Garissa governor Jama urges IEBC to conduct credible election

Former Garissa governor Nathif Jama has urged IEBC officials to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

Jama said while he has faith in the electoral agency, it is upon the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission to restore faith among Kenyans.

The candidate, who will be contesting for Garissa governor on an ODM ticket, spoke on Saturday at Garissa University after being cleared by the IEBC.

Jama was awarded his certificate by returning officer Abdulwahid Hussein and revisited the controversial 2017 governorship results.

Governor Ali Korane’s win was challenged in court but was upheld.

“Unfortunately, Garissa has a bad piece of history when it comes to election. You all know what happened in 2017, where there were a lot of integrity issues," he said.

The former governor blamed some IEBC officials for bungling his election.

“Let us be honest with each other and tell it like it is. Sweeping it under the carpet will not help maters. When an election is mishandled by IEBC, voters question why they should vote if the outcome is pre-determined.

“We are looking forward to the commission's commitment towards a free, fair and credible election. That is the only way they can build people’s confidence,” he said.

Jama said he will clinch the seat because of the foundation he laid and the many development projects he initiated, earning him the residents trust.

“Yes we had our own challenges but nevertheless we covered good ground in education, health, Infrastructure and water. These are some of the things that people look at and know we are the right team to lead again,” he said.

Jama further urged politicians and residents to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner throughout the campaign period.

“We are people of peace and we are committed to carry out our campaigns in a peaceful manner. It doesn’t serve anybody to see one abusing his or her competitor,” he said. 

Jama was flanked by his running mate Abdi Dagane.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)