ELECTION 2022

You are not forensic auditors, Chebukati tells off party agents at Bomas

Chebukati added that the forms are similar to what their agents received and verified at the constituencies.

In Summary

• He noted that the process is slow and agents cannot continue like they are doing forensic audits.

•The IEBC announced results for Ndia, Gatundu South, Yatta, and Ainabkoi.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati addresses the press.
IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati addresses the press.
Image: FILE

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati has asked agents of presidential candidates to give the commission officials time to verify the results.

He noted that the process is slow and agents cannot continue like they are doing forensic audits.

Chebukati added that the forms are similar to what their agents received and verified at the constituencies. 

"The forms are similar to what you received at the polling stations and confirmed by your agents at the constituency tallying centres. We advise that agents in this exercise cannot proceed in the manner we are proceeding as if we are doing a forensic audit," he said on Friday.

He said their roles are only to observe and note errors.

Chebukati also warned political party agents against disrupting the verification of results from constituencies.

The polls agency boss said he had observed numerous cases of disruptions by agents and directed that each desk should not take more than 15 minutes per returning officer.

“I have observed a few disruptions. Refrain from disrupting the process. We will remove you from this centre. Do not disrupt the exercise. Arrange the documentation in order,” he warned.

He said the events slowed down the tallying of the presidential results amid the pressure of time as the commission has to conclude the process by Tuesday 5pm.

“Agents cannot proceed in the manner in which you are proceeding as if you are doing a forensic audit. Observe the process and document the process,” Chebukati said in a briefing.

“Compare the forms issued, and bring errors to the attention of the commission. Don’t interrogate the ROs and slow down the process,” he said.

The IEBC boss said agents must understand their role at the national tallying centre in line with the regulations guiding the verification process.

“Your role is restricted to the observation of the tallying process and signing of the forms. Agents are not part of the receiving teams,” he explained.

“The agents will look at copies of the forms and confirm that the forms are similar to what you received from the polling stations,” he added.

The IEBC chair warned that the commission would not be able to finish the verification if the cases prevail.

“If we do that, we will not be able to finish this verification. Observe and let the process move on.”

The IEBC announced results for Ndia, Gatundu South, Yatta, and Ainabkoi.

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