By I Ngare
1. In October of 2016, Majid Saif Al Ghurair, son of Abdallah Al Ghurair, visits the country as the head of delegation of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
2. Majid’s local pointmen are Muhoho Kenyatta, with whom he enjoys a close relationship, and a man only identified as Kairu, a broker who has extensive contacts with top-level government officials.
3. A meeting is arranged between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Majid. Also present is Mr. Ezra Chiloba, CEO of IEBC.
4. Weeks later, contract for the printing of ballot papers is awarded to Al Ghurair Printers.
5. Justice George Odunga nullifies the contract process on the grounds of procedural irregularities.
6. IEBC uses a back-channel and opts for a restricted tendering process where companies selected by State-House are invited to bid.
7. The Public Procurement Administration and Review Board nullifies the process on the ground of faulty tender papers.
8. IEBC goes ahead and awards the tender directly to Al Ghurair.
Tell me, I pray, how can we trust a body that State House has on a leash to deliver a free, fair and credible election?
