TOP IEBC OFFICIAL TO RESIGN

Being the referee in a match pitting bitter rivals or a derby match has never been a walk in the park for most officials.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Prof Abdi Guliye has expressed his regret at ever applying for the position.

During the commission’s press briefing on Thursday, July 7, Guliye said the life of an IEBC commissioner is always in jeopardy until he regrets applying to fill up the position.

The commissioner said they have to persevere while their names are dragged through the mud on various allegations.

“Kama ningejua ile naingia singeomba hii kazi. Watu wanaangalia jamii unatoka kisha wanasema unataka kusaidia hiyo jamii. Usalama wako pia unakuwa hatari…unapakwa matope hadi unashangaa kama huyu ni wewe..lakini lazima tuvumilie

(Had I known what I was getting into I wouldn’t have applied. People look at your community and conclude that you are trying to favour your people. Your security is always at risk while your reputation is soiled until you remain to wonder if they are talking about you. But we must persevere),” said Guliye.

Politicians are cunning
He further stated that politicians could not be trusted, explaining that to the public, they demand free and fair elections but secretly reach out asking to be favoured.

Guliye lamented that they are forced to live in isolation to avoid being seen in the company of politicians as it would be interpreted to mean you are helping them rig election.

“Wanasiasa ni wakora sana, machana wanasema tunataka kura ya haki kisha usiku wanakuja wanasema tunataka utusaidie…inabidi sisis tuishi in isolation sababu ukionekana na mwanasiasa fulani inakuwa wewe unawasaidia.( Politicians are very cunning.

During the day, they demand a fair election but at night come seeking to be favoured. We’re forced to live in isolation because when you are spotted with any politician, it is said you are trying to help them),” added the commissioner.

By tuko