Gov’t Withdraws IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati’s Bodyguards

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) says that the security detail of its Chairman Wafula Chebukati and two remaining Commissioners has been withdrawn.

In a statement sent to the media on Tuesday, IEBC Communications Manager Andrew Limo said that police drivers assigned to Chebukati, Commissioners Abdi Ayub Guliye and Boya Mulu had been recalled without prior notice.

“The Commission has this morning learnt that the security (including armed drivers) of the Chairman and Commissioners Prof. Ayub Guliye and Boya Mulu have been withdrawn. Consequently, the commission has written to the Inspector General of police for an understanding of the circumstances leading to this action,” said Mr. limo.

Limo said that the move could put the life of the agency’s boss and the two commissioners at risk.

“The withdrawal of security is likely to expose the chairman and the Commissioners to security risk. The action undermines their effectiveness in executing the work of the Commission,” reads part of the statement.

The development comes a day after three Commissioners namely; Consolata Nkatha, Paul Kurgat and Margaret Mwachanya announced their resignation from the commission citing lack of faith in the Chairman.

Political leaders from across the political divide have called for the resignation of Chebukati and the two remaining commissioners after the three quit on Monday.

“Chebukati must now lead the other commissioners out of IEBC by tendering his resignation letter together with those of the other remaining commissioners and the entire secretariat,” said Siaya Senator James Orengo.

“Chebukati, Molu & Guliye MUST resign from IEBC within the next 7 days or we form a Tribunal to investigate them,” tweeted Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen.

However, in a statement on Monday, Chebukati hit back at the three commissioners and accused them of exposing their inability to accommodate divergent views. Chebukati has also asked Parliament to move swiftly and begin the process of replacing the Commissioners.

“The commission assures the public that its operations are on course and we remain focused on delivering our constitutional mandate,” Mr Chebukati said in a statement.

“As the chairman, I am committed to the course of transforming the country’s electoral management body to make it more responsive and professional.”

The government is yet to comment on the withdrawal of the bodyguards assigned to the three.