Embattled IEBC Commissioner Justus Nyang’aya resigns
Embattled Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Justus Nyang’aya has resigned.
Nyang’aya resigns hours after President William Ruto suspended him and three other commissioners who rejected the August 9 presidential election results.
Ruto suspended IEBC Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera as well as fellow Commissioners Justus Nyang’aya, Irene Masit, and Francis Wanderi.
Nyang’aya, in a subsequent letter, addressed to the President on Friday, December 2, expressed gratitude for his time in the commission which allowed him to serve the country.
“It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as a commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) effective today,” he wrote.
Nyang’aya stated that he took the choice in the best interests of the country, which he claims trumps individual interests. He claimed that in the last two weeks, he had engaged in soul searching and prayer, which led to his choice.
“In the last few weeks, I have had serious soul searching and being a man of faith, prayed fervently so that I may have the wisdom to make a decision that is in the best interest of the country. We all agree that the best interest of the nation must always supersede our individual interest.”
He added, “I have always endeavored to act in the best interest of the country, although my actions, taken in good faith have been misconstrued. I am grateful that I have been given an opportunity to serve our great nation and intend to continue doing so In other capacities.”
President Ruto suspended the four Commissioners and convened a tribunal to hear a petition to remove them from office.
In a Gazette Notice issued on Friday, the Head of State ordered them to vacate their positions pending the tribunal’s advice.
He stated that the decision was made in response to a recommendation by the National Assembly to remove the commissioners for their actions during the August 9, 2022, General Election.
The President then appointed High Court Judge Aggrey Muchelule to preside over the tribunal, which also includes Carolyne Kamende Daudi, Linda Gakii Kiome, Mathew Njaramba Nyabena, and Col. (Rtd.) Saeed Khamis Saeed.
The decision came a day after the National Assembly accepted a recommendation by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) requesting the formation of a tribunal to investigate the conduct of the four commissioners.
According to JLAC Chairperson George Murugara, there are adequate grounds to suspend the Commissioners.