Ruto alleges plot to kill electoral chief in last polls

Prior to the declaration of the presidential results last year, Kenya's President William Ruto made startling charges of a plan to kidnap and murder the head of the election commission.

In the midst of tumultuous events at the voting center, Mr. Ruto was declared the victor of the presidential election held in August 2022 with 50.5% of the vote.

Wafula Chebukati, the chairman of the election commission at the time, claimed he had carried out his duties despite threats.

According to local media reports, the president stated on Tuesday that the plan to kidnap Mr. Chebukati was approved by the "highest" office.

"We are aware that there was a deliberate attempt to kidnap Mr. Chebukati and kill him in order to paralyze the commission or install a willing commissioner and usurp the authority of the people. It was a challenging, chilly, and lonely time, with terrible threats, extravagant rewards, and unrelenting pressure, according to President Ruto.

At a meeting with commissions and independent offices held at State House in Nairobi, he made the comments.

The president's rival at the elections, Raila Odinga’s party, ODM, has scoffed at the remarks, calling it a “well-choreographed chorus".

“They should present the claims before a commission of inquiry when it is formed."