Kenyan election IT head found dead

ESAT News (July 31, 2017)

The head of ICT for Kenya’s election commission was found dead after reported missing for three days. There were signs of torture on his neck and head, according to reports by Kenyan media. Some reports say one of his arms was severed.

News of the death of Chris Msando is feared to worsen tensions between election rivals, incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta and his opponent Raila Odinga. The opposition has been accusing Kenyatta of intimidating voters and the opposition using his military.

The body of Msando was found with a body of a woman. Chris Msando was killed few months after being appointed as head of the ICT for Kenya Integrated Electoral Management System (KIEMS).

The death of Msando came a week before Kenya’s election with fears that violence between rival supporters could turn deadly. Over one thousand people were killed in post election violence ten years ago. The International Criminal Court charged President Kenyatta with inciting that violence, but the charges were later dropped due to a lack of evidence.