Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Leaders from Western region have vowed to defend IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati from resignation calls pushed by a section of ODM leaders.

Led by Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and his Saboti counterpart Caleb Hamisi, the leaders said the move risks bungling the forthcoming general elections.

“We are wondering what are the intentions of some MPs, especially from the Nyanza region, who want Chebukati out at this critical time,” Wamalwa said.

“This is a move to intimidate Chebukati. We, as western leaders especially from trans Nzoia, are praying he continues to serve. We have already received the four nominees for commissioners job and  as the National Assembly, we are going to vet them so that they kick start the electoral process,” he added

Hamisi, an ODM legislator, has said that the move by his fellow members was politically instigated, something they as leaders from this region would not allow.

“Chebukati should not be removed out of political emotions. Removal of the chair must be out of serious violation of the constitution and evidence of abuse of office. Not innuendos propaganda and fear of the unknown. Chebukati is also our son. We will jealously protect him at all cost,” Hamisi opined.

The two have termed the move by a section of Nyanza leaders led by Homabay women rep Gladys Wanga is aimed at pushing the 2022 General Elections to 2023 a move they say they will oppose.