Chebukati's Security Detail Reinstated

Information reaching Kenyans.co.ke indicate that the security detail of IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati has been reinstated.

This was confirmed by IEBC Communications Manager Andrew Limo who stated that the government had also agreed to reinstate the security personnel assigned to commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boyu Molu.

“There are all indications that the security that was withdrawn is being reinstated to the chairman, and affected commissioners," divulged Limo.

IEBC wrote to the Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet earlier this week questioning the reasons for the withdrawal of security guards (including armed drivers) attached to the three.

[caption caption="IG Joseph Boinnet"][/caption]

The poll body raised concern that the move was likely to expose Chebukati and the commissioners to security risk and "undermines their effectiveness in executing the work of the commission".

According to the Nation, the IEBC chairman has at least eight bodyguards at his disposal, a number that was increased after the murder of IEBC ICT official Chris Msando days to the General Election last year.

He also possesses three vehicles all driven by armed drivers: a lead car, an official vehicle, and a police chase car.

Parliament has revived the process of setting up a recruitment panel for commissioners at the electoral agency following the resignation of Consolata NkathaPaul Kurgat and Margaret Mwachanya.

The National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, chaired by William Cheptumo (Baringo North), announced that it is developing a legal framework to establish a permanent selection panel.

Cheptumo, however, stated that there was a gap in the IEBC Act that must be fixed to prevent a crisis at the commission.

"As things stand no commissioner can be recruited because there is no selection panel,” revealed Cheptumo.

[caption caption="IEBC Suspended CEO Ezra Chiloba and Chairman Wafula Chebukati"][/caption]

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