IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati. Photo/the-star.co.ke

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IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati has said that the withdrawal of NASA leader Raila Odinga from the October 26 vote might results into deeper crisis.

According to the Star, IEBC is divided on whether the polls will succeed despite the technical and logistical preparations.

"In the past few weeks, a leading candidate who garnered more than 6 million votes withdrew from the race. While it is his right, we must think beyond him and think of the 6 million Kenyans who will feel disenfranchised by this action. Do we just go on as if this withdrawal means nothing?" paused Chebukati.

The chair cited Zimbabwe where he said after the withdrawal of Morgan Tsvangirai from the 2008 presidential runoff, their economy has never recovered. 

"While president Robert Mugabe had a resounding victory after the withdrawal of the opposition leader from the race, issues of legitimacy continue to dog his legacy to date," Chebukati said.

Chebukati said that as the national returning officer he will not bow down in history as the officer who plunged the country into a further crisis through an election.

Chebukati was speaking after commissioner Roselyn Akombe resign citing that the commission was divided.