Yesterday, July 21, IEBC’s Wafula Chebukati announced the arrest of three employees of Smartmatic International B.V.
Chebukati termed the arrest as “unjustified intimidation, harassment and blackmail”, as he demanded their immediate release.
He further warned that their further detention could interfere with preparations for the polls which are 17 days away.
“The three personnel, who are employees of Smartmatic International B.V., were arrested upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from Venezuela. This is despite the Commission Secretary/CEO explaining to the security authorities that the three personnel were in the country to execute a lawful contract relating to the deployment of technology in elections,” said Chebukati in a statement issued on Thursday night.
Following the arrest, many Kenyans have come out to express their anger, with the latest move igniting the memories of former IEBC ICT manager Chris Musando who was abducted and killed just a few days to 2017 general elections.
Here are some of the reactions from William Ruto’s close friends:
“Uhuru Kenyatta is doing everything to rig Presidential elections in favor of his project or at the very least delay elections and extend his term. He is the existential threat to peace, law and order in the country. He has hit a panic mode after realizing his Project won’t win,” senator Kipchumba Murkomen said.
Uhuru Kenyatta is doing everything to rig Presidential elections in favor of his project or at the very least delay elections and extend his term. He is the existential threat to peace, law and order in the country. He has hit a panic mode after realizing his Project won’t win. pic.twitter.com/kl7If7vCNL
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) July 21, 2022
“The deep state is trying so hard to SABOTAGE the upcoming elections after sensing the imminent defeat of their project. No amount of intimidation of IEBC and its officials/staff will change the resolve by Kenyans to EMPHATICALLY REJECT the ‘Project’ on 9.8.2022!” Kithure Kindiki tweeted.
The deep state is trying so hard to SABOTAGE the upcoming elections after sensing the imminent defeat of their project. No amount of intimidation of IEBC and its officials/staff will change the resolve by Kenyans to EMPHATICALLY REJECT the 'Project' on 9.8.2022! pic.twitter.com/2ZR7qSPW2E
— GUSTAVO (@Gustavo__254) July 22, 2022
“The World must remind the azimio Chairman that the last time an election ICT official went missing, he ended up being found dead. STOP the shenanigans. Not peremende Unga, Not arrests will rescue your PROJECT kuzimia from sinking,” Kimani Ichungwa commented.
The World must remind the azimio Chairman that the last time an election ICT official went missing,he ended up being found dead. STOP the shenanigans.Not peremende Unga,Not arrests will rescue your PROJECT kuzimia from sinking.@IEBCKenya @IntlCrimCourt @USAmbKenya @JaneMarriottUK pic.twitter.com/lryDQ3lJsX
— Kimani Ichung’wah (@KIMANIICHUNGWAH) July 21, 2022
