Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati has reportedly vowed to stay put amid calls for his resignation following recent developments at the agency.
Monday’s resignation of three commissioners; namely Consolata Nkatha, Paul Kurgat and Margaret Mwachanya put Chebukati on the spot as they questioned his leadership
A senior official at the electoral commission told the Star that Chebukati noted that he has no reason to quit as each commissioner is appointed to serve on an individual capacity.
“He also told us that work will continue even as staff challenged him to explain if the commission was properly constituted with quorum to transact business,” a Senior IEBC staff told the Star.
In their statement of resignation, Nkatha, Kurgat and Mwachanya cited lack of confidence in Chebukati’s leadership as the reason why they could not hold further.
“The chairman has in several instances failed to be rye steady and stable hand to steer the commission ship,” read a joint statement from the three commissioners.
They also pointed out that the agency’s independence had greatly been thwarted by external forces.
“The Commissioners must all serve solely for the purpose that we were appointed. We must banish external players from the Commission boardroom and reclaim the Commission’s independence.”
In a statement on Monday afternoon, Chebukati said he had not received resignation notices from the three and only learnt the news from the press.
“The Commission will give a comprehensive statement at an appropriate time.”
However, the senior IEBC staff told the Star that Chebukati appeared shocked upon receiving news of their resignation.
“The chairman was caught totally unawares. When he started the meeting, he told us that Mwachanya was away on official duty, Kurgat was on leave and Maina was on her way to attend the meeting. Once the news broke, the chair looked very shocked but put up a brave face.”
The three also questioned the manner in which Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba was sent on a three-month compulsory leave.
“The events related to the purported vote (to suspend the CEO) have greatly shaken our already feeble confidence in the chair,” said the three in their resignation statement.
Leaders drawn from across the political divide reacted to the news by calling for the resignation of the remaining commissioners including Chebukati.
“Chebukati, Molu & Guliye must resign from IEBC within the next seven days or we form a tribunal to investigate them,” Kipchumba Murkomen, Senate Majority Leader said.
Senate Minority Leader James Orengo stated: “Chebukati must now lead other commissioners out by tendering his resignation together with the two remaining commissioners and the entire secretariat.”
