‘We Went Into Hiding With No Phones For Days’- IEBC Commissioners Reveal Shocking Details In Kenya’s Post-Election Report

Kenya’s outgoing Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati on Monday, January 16, revealed shocking details of the aftermath of the chaos at Bomas of Kenya, minutes after the results of the presidential election were announced. 

Speaking during the launch of the Post Election Evaluation Report, Chebukati affirmed that his commissioners went into hiding, prompting him to leave the premises and return to his house. 

He noted that for three days, he was on edge- waiting to see if anybody paid him a visit. While breathing a heavy sigh of relief, he affirmed that nobody had come to his house. 

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati released the presidential election results at Bomas of Kenya on August 15, 2022

“They call us three musketeers. So, they (commissioners) went into ‘Siberia’ but they are not telling you where I was. I was in my house, taking my cups of tea and waiting to see if anybody came to the door. Of course, nobody came,” Chebukati noted. 

While making his final remarks, commissioner Abdi Guliye painted a picture of the scene after the Bomas chaos which prompted them to drop their security detail and travel to an unknown. 

He affirmed that they were forced to switch off their phones and leave them in Bomas, fearing being tracked. 

“After the Bomas announcement of the results, I recall going into “Siberia” in my own country together with commissioner Boya Molu and CEO Hussein Marjan. 

“We went into hiding, had to put off our phones, leave them in Bomas, send away our security and we rode in a Toyota Noah to an unknown location. Our only contact with Kenya or the world was the TV, just to check whether you were killing each other or you were celebrating,” Guliye stated. 

He, however, expressed relief after affirming that Kenyans had maintained peace throughout the period. 

“After three days of hiding, we realized Kenya had moved on. We stated that we can no longer hide.”

While reflecting on his six-year tenure, he pointed out that he had done his work in accordance with his oath of office and did not have any apologies to make to his naysayers. 

“I did my best for my country and my people. I leave IEBC stronger and better than I found it. I have no apologies to make to anybody. I simply did my work in accordance with the oath of office that I took in January 2017,” Guliye stated. 

The commissioner also gave a word of advice to those tasked with the selection of new commissioners to choose wisely. 

“My word of advice to those who will be bearing the responsibility of replacing us with other Kenyans is that it is not for the faint of heart. Please choose commissioners wisely,” he concluded. 

The Monday event was Chebukati’s last official appearance as IEBC chairman having served for 6 years and oversaw two general elections.

Meanwhile, the European Union has lauded the Independent and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati for a commendable job in conducting the August 9, 2022, general election.

Speaking at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, during the launch of IEBC’s post-election evaluation report for the August 9, 2022 poll, the EU ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger lauded the chairman and commissioners for standing firm and setting the bar high.

“You are the first commission to have served a full 6-year term, congratulations. She further hailed the IEBC for “upholding transparency and integrity” while overseeing the polls.

The ambassador further urged the IEBC to build on the achievements of the last election to give Kenyans an even better poll in 2027.

In her address, she equally stated that Kenyans deserved a 10 out of 10 for their stellar performance in the elections.

“I applaud Kenyans for being peaceful. They stood firm on the path to stronger democracy and rule of law, build towards better relations towards the 2027 general elections and the EU will stand firm to support,” she remarked.

Vice chairperson Connie Nkatha Maina, and commissioners Roselyne Akombe, Paul Kurgat, and Margaret Mwachanya who were all sworn in with the other three quit after the 2017 General Election.

Equally after the 2022 polls, Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera, commissioners Francis Wanderi, and Justus Nyang’aya quit avoiding facing the  Justice Aggrey Muchelule-led tribunal probing their conduct. 

The exit of Chebukati, Molu and Guliye is likely to affect the boundary review process that should be concluded next year as Irene Masit is the only remaining commissioner on suspension and under probe.