Mahama calls for probe into murder of Kenya’s electoral commission IT Manager

Former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed his condolence to the family of slained Kenya’s electoral commission ICT Manager Chris Msando and called for investigations into the murder.

Mr Mahama who is in Kenya as the leader of a 15 member election observer mission composed of eminent persons from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and Pacific regions made the call when he addressed reporters in Nairobi on Wednesday.

With barely a week to the elections Mr Mahama said the observer team’s primary mission was to ensure a peaceful and credible election process but was optimistic that the Kenyan authorities will conduct a rigorous and thorough investigation to find out persons behind the murder and why it was committed.

Chris Msando would have supervised Kenya’s computerised voting system on the August 8 elections.

“We hope that our group’s presence will confirm the solidarity of the Commonwealth with the people of Kenya,” Mr Mahama said

He affirmed his faith in the country’s election officials to conduct a credible and transparent election as the country draws closer to election day.

“As the campaign nears completion I would wish the people of Kenya, those seeking election, the poll officials and others who work to make the process democratic,well as the nation exercises its rights, and we join in the heart felt desire for a peaceful process on August 8th.”




“We are aware of the significance of these elections to the people of Kenya, the region and the global community. Our presence here affirms the support of the Commonwealth to Kenya and its democratic processes. We make a commitment that our observation role will be undertaken with impartiality, independence and transparency.”

Mr Mahama disclosed that observers will be deployed to locations across the country to observe preparations ahead of polling day

He also added that the team will meet with political parties, the police, election officials and other stakeholders in their respective locations to ensure Kenya’s elections meets international commitments .

“We will then take a view whether it has been conducted to the international and regional standards to which Kenya has committed itself, including its own laws. In this context, we look forward to the Presidential candidates reaffirming their commitment to peaceful elections.”

On Election Day, Mr Mahama said the team will closely monitor the opening, voting, closing, counting and the results management processes as well as issue an interim report two days later.

“A final report will be prepared and submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary General and subsequently shared with relevant stakeholders and the public,” Mr Mahama said.

Source: Graphic.com.gh