Some Okoa Kenya signatures were by one person, the IEBC has explained, as Cord considers “legal and extra-legal” measures after a decision that halted the push.
Commissioner Thomas Letangule said many booklets had names that did not have signatures while others had illegible writings.
“There was an instance where someone drew a cow as a signature but we still admitted it as a valid entry. In fact most of those booklets were signed by one person,” Letangule said.
Cord submitted 1.4 million signatures in October 2015 but the IEBC said only 891,598 were valid.
In an address to the press at the commission’s office on Thursday, chairman Issack Hassan said Cord will have to start afresh if the referendum push fails.
He urged the coalition to start another round of signature collection if they want to keep pushing the referendum agenda.
“The commission will not run away, those unhappy should go to court to challenge the decision,” he said.
“Promoters of the Okoa Kenya initiative or any other persons are free to exercise their democratic right to present fresh signatures.”
Hassan said the Independent and Electoral Boundaries Commission “abhors the systematic and baseless attacks” against it yet its staff members
work hard.
“In undertaking this exercise, the commission would like to reiterate that the work was handled diligently and professionally,” he said.
“We urge Kenyans and leaders to demonstrate maturity and honesty in dealing with each other. We thank the people of Kenya for being patient during this process.”
Some Cord members seemed to agree with the IEBC on the manner in which the Okoa Kenya Secretariat handled the process.
Via Twitter on Thursday, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr said: “Truth be told, the Okoa Kenya initiative experts were a disaster per excellence. Everything they touched turned black.”
Moses Wetang’ula and Kalonzo Musyoka said Cord is considering “legal and extra-legal means” of dealing with the IEBC’s verdict.
Wetang’ula, who is Bungoma Senator, and Wiper leader Kalonzo accused the commission of being in cahoots with the ruling Jubilee coalition.
“The IEBC remains a puppet of the Jubilee administration and is out to disenfranchise Kenyans. Its decision is a demonstration of the contempt it has towards Cord,” Wetang’ula said.
-the-star.co.ke
