NASA condemns in the strongest possible terms the assassination of Chris Msando, the Deputy Director in charge of the IEBC’s Data Centre. We express our profound sorrow to his wife, family and loved ones, as well as to all Kenyans who have been horrified by this heinous murder meant to subvert our democracy.
In his multiple capacities, Chris was responsible for the entire body of electoral data that is the basis of the August 8 election, including the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS).
That includes voter identity verification, results transmission and the entire electronic tallying process.
Chris Msando’s brutal killing was an attempt to drive a dagger into the heart of the forthcoming election, and indeed a dagger into the heart of Kenyan democracy. But we are totally confident that this terrible crime will accomplish the opposite and strengthen all Kenyans’ will to demand a free, fair and credible election.
It is painful for us in the extreme to have to report that Chris was severely tortured. We do not at this moment wish to add to the anguish of his family by giving more details.
Chris on television last week assured Kenyans that they need not worry about the KIEMS as he was sure it would work.
That no effort was made to camouflage this killing as an accident shows the determination of the killers to send a chilling message that they will stop at nothing to ensure the outcome they desire.
Despite our grave concern about the implications of this murder and other recent developments, NASA would like to re-emphasize and reiterate its commitment to participate in the General Election on.
As we have been saying repeatedly on the campaign trail, our supporters must turn out in large numbers without fear, as there are too many of us and we cannot be intimidated.
On August 9, there will be a NASA government and all Kenyans, whether belonging to NASA, Jubilee or any other party, will be assured of the fullest protection of their security from then on wards.
We urge the IEBC commissioners to soldier on and redouble their determination to provide Kenyans with the most transparent election in our history. We have only one demand: This election must meet the constitutional requirement of a free, transparent and credible election.