Chiloba’s aides locked out of office as IEBC row continues

IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba. (File, Standard)

Five electoral agency junior officials are the latest casualties in the war between Chairman Wafula Chebukati and suspended CEO Ezra Chiloba.

In an exercise described as “institutional load balancing”, the officers -- two secretaries, two personal assistants and a messenger -- were sent home on Thursday in unclear circumstances.

Unlike in the past where such action is done in writing, the five were ordered out of office by word of mouth after acting CEO Marjan Hussen Marjan asked them to keep off Chiloba’s office.

Marjan had summoned the five officers separately on Monday and advised them to consider taking leave. However, by yesterday, three of them were in office when Marjan went to lock it.

“He (Marjan) found three officers in Chiloba’s office and asked them to find a different work station and not on the sixth floor,” said a senior IEBC official.

Help in other offices

Yesterday, IEBC Communications Manager Andrew Limo denied that the offices were locked and the officers suspended.

“Mr Marjan told the staff to help with duties in other offices until and when Mr Chiloba returns. He did not lock offices or chase anyone. It’s simple institutional load balancing exercise,” said Limo.

The “load balancing” of the five came just a day after the commission sought to repossess two vehicles being used by Chiloba who is on a three-month suspension. On Thursday, the IEBC disabled fuel cards used by Chiloba’s drivers while a third vehicle used by one of the CEO’s aides had its GK number plates plucked. 

Chiloba’s fuel card of was later reinstated by the transport manager after the CEO asked him to explain in writing why the action as taken.