There was a stand-off outside Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi, on Sunday, August 14, after a section of leaders allied to the Azimio One Kenya coalition were locked out of the venue where tallying of the presidential results is ongoing.
The team led by Siaya governor-elect James Orengo was momentarily denied access to Bomas shortly after arriving with a group of supporters.
Drama ensued as the leaders demanded to be allowed to access the heavily guarded venue. A contingent of security teams led by Anti-riot police officers was deployed to calm the crowd.
The politicians claimed to have accreditation to access the national tallying centre.
Other leaders present included Kisumu governor Anyang Nyong’o, newly elected Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, Makadara MP-elect George Aladwa and outgoing Laikipia governor Nderitu Muriithi.
IEBC limits access to Bomas
Yesterday, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) restricted access to the tallying centre after the verification process was almost disrupted as political leaders from the opposing camps engaged in a scuffle.
IEBC commissioner Abdi Guliye stated that only chief presidential agents from the four presidential candidates and their deputies will be allowed in the auditorium.
“We have made changes in the access to the tallying centre as we will only allow chief presidential agents, their deputies and clerks to access this auditorium,” Guliye said.
Azimio One Kenya coalition candidate Raila Odinga and Kenya Kwanza’s William Ruto are neck-to-neck in the cutthroat contest. Others in the race are George Wajackoyah of the Roots party and David Mwaure Waihiga of Agano party.
