[NASA leader Raila Odinga.He has called for the removal of a section of IEBC officials. Courtesy: The Star]
Opposition coalition NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga has come under sharp criticism after calling for the sacking of a section of IEBC commissioners.
Speaking on Tuesday during a political rally in Kibera, the former premier called for removal of several IEBC officials, including CEO Ezra Chiloba, commissioner Guliye, deputy commission secretary Betty Nyabuto and ICT director James Muhati. Others are Marijan Hussein Marijan, Praxedes Tororey, Silas Rotich and Nancy Kariuki.
However, in a quick rejoinder, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale came into strong defense of commissioner Abdi Guliye against removal from the commission.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, the lawmaker accused Mr Odinga of ethnic profiling, arguing that the opposition chief was unfairly targeting senior state officers drawn from Northern Kenya.
"Professor Guliye was vetted by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee and approved by the plenary. So, he is not at IEBC at anybody's pleasure," Duale said.
"Raila Odinga, if you want to remove professor Guliye, you will not remove him through a rally in Kibera," he added.
The opposition wing has since vowed not to participate in the forthcoming repeat polls should these officials not vacate office.