Confusion at IEBC as 5 Commissioners disown Wafula Chebukati memo to Ezra Chiloba

IEBC commissioner Paul Kurgat distanced himself from a letter that named him among officials who disowned Wafula Chebukati's memo. Photo: Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard 

Five commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have disowned a letter allegedly written by Chairman Wafula Chebukati to CEO Ezra Chiloba raising 12 issues on the just concluded General Election.

The commissioners said the letter was not discussed by IEBC.

“We wish to clarify that the contents of the said memo were not discussed. The Commissioners came to know of the memo through the media like everyone else,” read the joint statement.

Vice chairperson Consalata Nkatha and Commissioners Prof Yakub Guliye, Paul Kurgat, Boya Molu and Magret Mwachanya gave the statement.

It added: “A quick perusal of the memo shows that the allegations are based on some report or information that has not been brought to the attention of the Commission. Most of the issues raised are not factual and could easily mislead if taken out of context. However, the Secretariat is reviewing the issues and will prepare appropriate responses to be presented to the Commission Plenary.”

The commissioners however reassured the country that the Commission is in the process of preparing for a fresh presidential election to be held on October 17th.

“Our commitment is to ensure that a credible process is held in line with the principles enunciated by the Supreme Court in its brief judgment. We invite all Kenyans to stand by the Commission as it carries out this mandate,” said the commissioners in a statement.

In quick turn of events, one of the commissioners Paul Kurgat disowned the statement by his colleagues, alleging that he was not consulted while the letter renouncing Chebukati’s memo was being written.

“I was not consulted or briefed on the statement attributed to IEBC commissioners and sent to the news rooms this evening. I encourage my colleagues to make use of our internal mechanisms and opportunities. I had Fruitful discussions this evening with Bishop Alfred Rotich at Waumini house during which the statement was released, said Kurgat.

The IEBC has been in the limelight following the nullification of Kenya’s presidential election, even as Jubilee Party and National Super Alliance (NASA) rejecting the team set up by the electoral agency to manage the October 17 repeat poll.