KENYA: Mourners Demand Justice Following Murder of Electoral Commission Official

NAIROBI AUGUST 18, 2017(CISA)-The family and friends of the slain Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC), ICT manager Christopher Chege Msando have called on the government to arrest and prosecute those behind his murder.

In a requiem Mass at the Consolata Shrine for the IEBC official on August 17, the late Msando’s wife Eva Buyu said that the family will not relent in demanding answers on what transpired on July 28 when Msando went missing.

“I don’t know where to start. Let justice be our shield and defender. Vengeance is of the Lord and I believe God will fight this battle for us,” she said.

“Chris’ death will not go in vain, we have refused. This is wrong. Things will never be the same again but I will always treasure the life I have lived with you,” said Mrs Msando.

Kisumu Governor-elect Prof Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o urged Kenyans to “change the current political system to eradicate extra-judicial killings.”

He described Msando as a devoted patriot who was focused on ensuring that the just concluded August 2017 General Elections were free, fair and justifiable.

“Msando’s legacy can only last forever if we remove this political system because Kenyans should not die after every five years. We should deliver this country from this form of oppression and enhance democracy…” he said.

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi said, “We must ask who sent those people to murder Msando because they stood to benefit after the execution. We are also in darkness on what happened to the offer by UK and US into the investigations.”

Speaking during the same event, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati praised the former IT expert for quickly re-organizing the commission in readiness for the General Elections.

He said Msando was steadfast in offering civic education to Kenyans and instilling confidence in them on the electoral technology.

“We missed you during the electioneering process but we assured that in your memory, we upheld what you lived for,” Chebukati said.

IEBC chief Executive Officer, Ezra Chiloba said that Msando was dedicated to ensure that the commission conducted free and fair elections.

Mr Msando, who was the acting ICT director at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, went missing on July 28 and was found dead on July 31.

He will be buried on August 19 at his family’s home in Lifunga Kobiero, Siaya County.

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