Wafula Chebukati says aspirants can concede once winner is declared

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati. [File, Standard]

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati says poll losers can concede defeat once they have the results from their agents.

His sentiments come amid a series of concessions by a number of politicians way before the electoral body formally announces the results.

In his daily address to the nation at Bomas of Kenya, Chebukati reiterated that poll results for all Members of Parliament and Members of County Assemblies are declared at the constituency tallying centers.

He added that results from the polling stations were final.

"Candidates conceding defeat have their results because MP and MCA winners are declared at the constituency level. If you have the forms and the numbers, you can know where you are. It is prudent to concede," Chebukati said.

"I would like to encourage all agents to share with their respective candidates the forms if you have lost concede," he added.

This morning Embakasi West MP conceded defeat by Jubilee's Mark Mwenje via a statement on his official Facebook page. This was way before IEBC declared the winner of the polls.

"As we begin a new chapter, I want to wish my brother, the new incoming Embakasi West MP Hon Mark Mureithi Mwenje best of luck as you embark to start a new era as MP-elect," Theuri said.

Lang'ata MP Nixon Korir has conceded defeat in the race where he sought to serve his constituents for a second term.

He made the announcement on Wednesday morning, way before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) gave the official results.

Through his Facebook and Instagram accounts, Korir thanked his constituents for the opportunity to serve for the last five years. He congratulated Phelix Odiwour aka Jalang'o who was leading in the tally as of Wednesday morning.

To the people of Lang'ata, I sincerely thank you for according me an opportunity to be your Member of Parliament for the last 5 years. It's been a great opportunity that gave me an avenue to contribute to our nation-building and service to the people," he said.

IEBC is yet to declare the winners officially.