In the run-up to the announcement of the presidential results last year, Kenya’s President William Ruto made sensational accusations of a plot to kidnap and murder the head of the electoral commission.
Mr. Ruto was declared the winner of the presidential election held in August 2022, with 50.5% of the vote, amid dramatic scenes at the polling station.
Wafula Chebukati, the chairman of the electoral commission at the time, stated that despite threats, he had carried out his duties.
According to local media reports, the president claimed on Tuesday that the plot to kidnap Mr. Chebukati was sanctioned by the “highest” office.
“We know that there was a direct attempt to abduct Mr Chebukati and murder him so that the commission would be paralysed, or a compliant commissioner take over and subvert the people’s sovereignty. The threats were dire, the promised rewards were lavish, and the pressure was relentless,” President Ruto said.
He made the remarks at State House in Nairobi during a meeting with commissions and independent offices. The president’s rival at the elections, Raila Odinga’s party, ODM, has scoffed at the remarks, calling it a “well-choreographed chorus”.
“When a commission of inquiry is formed, they should present the claims.”
