IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati with other officials. [Photo/kenyatoday.com]
The Indepedent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has been thrown into a fresh crisis after a number of officials reportedly resigned hours to the fresh presidential polls.
Five Returning Officers from Siaya County are said to have quit citing security reasons ahead of Thursday’s repeat polls.
County Returning Officer Ruth Kulundu confirmed the incident stating that the five hang resigned following violence witnessed in the region over the last two days.
"As per now, I can say the election will only be conducted in Alego Usonga subcounty where I have not received withdrawal communication from clerks," Kulundu stated.
She added that the officials were forced to resign after their family members were threatened.
"Today, angry residents in Ugenya almost lynched my returning officer before he was rescued by police officers," she decried. That notwithstanding, Ms Kulundu notified the press that the officials had managed to transport some of the election materials to the constituencies.
"We had to ferry election materials at night as no transporter was willing to offer us their vehicles. We are only waiting to transport the seals," Kulundu added.
The officials reported to have quit are Isaiah Khuyole Nabwayo (Ugenya), Obari Rose (Ugunja), Martin Ngoga Omolo (Gem), Gregory Matekwa John (Bondo) and Rebecca Abwaku (Rarieda).
Siaya is the home stuff of NASA leader Raila Odinga who has called his supporters to boycott the repeat polls.