In a statement issued on Wednesday, Chebukati dismissed claims by IEBC Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera, commissioners Francis Wanderi, Justus Nyang’aya and Irene Masit that he denied them access to the portal backend where the final tally was being conducted.
Chebukati maintains that the four commissioners had access to all results and were involved in all activities of verification and tallying of the presidential election votes where William Ruto was declared the winner.
“As the gazetted National Returning Officer and in the spirit of teamwork, the Chairperson involved all Commissioners including Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Justus Nyang’aya and Irene Masit in all activities of verification and tallying. Their duties were well defined in writing and allocated at the National Tally Center (NTC). They had access to all results beforehand and interchangeably announced them for six (6) days in full glare of live television,” said Chebukati.
He added: “However, during a briefing meeting held on 15th August 2022 at around 3.00pm before the final declaration of the Presidential Election results, the four Commissioners i.e. Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Justus Nyang’aya and Irene Masit demanded that the Chairperson moderates the results for purpose of forcing an election Re-run contrary to their oath of office.”
Chebukati goes further to state that he refused to give in to pressure from the four IEBC commissioners since their alleged intention was illegal and unconstitutional.