IEBC vice chairperson Juliana Cherera resigns
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) vice chairperson Juliana Cherera has resigned.
Cherera resigned Monday morning, December 5, in a letter to President William Ruto.
“After careful consideration of the current events at the commission and with consultation with my family and lawyers, I accept that my stay at the commission is no longer tenable and therefore choose to vacate,” reads her resignation in part.
She expressed disappointment in what she termed as misinterpretation and misjudgment of actions done in good faith.
She said, ” Since joining the commission, I have dispensed my duties diligently, and meticulously and put a spirited effort in helping the commission deal with corporate governance issues under very difficult circumstances,” adding, “My cumulative actions done in good faith are unfortunately misjudged and misinterpreted.”
Her resignation comes days after fellow commissioner Justus Nyangaya also resigned.
Nyang’aya said he made the decision in the best interests of the country saying it supersedes individual interests.
“I have always endeavored to act in the country’s best interest, although my actions, taken in good faith, have been misconstrued,” he added.
The two were among four commissioners that disavowed the August 9 presidential results released by IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati.
Only Irene Masit and Francis Wanderi, two of the four commissioners, remain in the electoral body but are suspended.
The resignations come after President Ruto suspended the four commissioners on the advice of the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs committee.
President William Ruto also appointed a five-member committee to investigate the suspended commissioners on Friday.
High Court Judge Aggrey Muchelule will preside over the panel, including lead counsel Peter Munge Murage.
“The mandate of the Tribunal shall be to consider the Petition for the removal of (1) Juliana Whonge Cherera, (2) Francis Mathenge Wanderi, (3) Irene Cherop Masit and (4) Justus Abonyo Nyang’aya from office as members of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and to inquire into the allegations therein,” the President said in a gazette notice.
On Sunday, National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wa called on the remaining three IEBC commissioners of four to resign.
“I plead with you, spare Kenyans the time, spare us the money, spare us the effort please resign like Nyangaya did,” he said