Kenya poll body decries ‘unjust’ arrest of contractors

Kenya’s electoral body has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of three contractors involved in the deployment and management of election technology.

In a statement, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said that employees of Smartmatic International BV were arrested at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on arrival from Venezuela.

It termed their detention as an exhibition of intimidation on hardworking persons who are only keen to deliver a robust technology infrastructure.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said the trio’s continued detention could affect election preparedness since technology will play a key role in the 9 august polls.

He demanded their immediate release.

Kenya police spokesman Bruno Shioso had confirmed in a statement that they had arrested a foreigner carrying election-related material.