IEBC starts hearings on Senator Moses Wetang'ula case

In the next few days, Bungoma residents will know whether their senator Moses Wetang'ula will continue serving them.

A special committee formed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will today start public hearing on whether or not to remove Mr Wetang'ula's name from the voters register in accordance with the Elections Act.

Lawyer James Orengo and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula at Milimani law courts yesterday after Justice Nicholas Ombija issued orders restraining BBC from broadcasting and publishing a story in relation to BAT bribery allegations against the senator. (PHOTO: GEORGE NJUNGE/ STANDARD)

The special team appointed by IEBC Chairperson Issack Hassan and chaired by Commissioner Thomas Letangule will conduct the hearing at the Milimani Law Courts from 9am.

During the session, Wetang'ula will be given an opportunity to show cause why action should not be taken against him, after the Supreme Court upheld a decision that found him guilty of voter bribery.

On October 23, Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro publicised the Supreme Court ruling pursuant to section 87 (3) of the Election Act in respect of electoral offences committed.

"The Special Committee shall sit on January 12 to accord Wetang'ula an opportunity to show cause why he should not be removed from the register of voters," Mr Hassan said in a statement issued on December 3, 2015. According to the IEBC boss, the Mr Letangule-led committee is supposed to submit its report to the electoral agency by Wednesday next week.