Chiloba Vows to Report to Work Despite Chebukati's Suspension

IEBC embattled CEO Ezra Chiloba has vowed to report to work next Tuesday despite an order by Chairman Wafula Chebukati barring him from doing so.

Chiloba noted that he does not recognise the suspension letter and will go about his duties as usual.

This may not go down well with Chebukati who on Friday maintained that the CEO stands suspended to allow the completion of the on-going audit.

[caption caption="Ezra Chiloba"][/caption]

The Employment and Labour Relations Court had on Thursday allowed Chiloba to go back to work but in a statement copied to Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and IEBC acting CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, Chebukati stated that Chiloba has violated his contract.

"We refer to the ongoing comprehensive audit of all major procurements relating to the general elections of August 8, 2017, and fresh presidential elections held on October 26, 2017, and the ruling dated June 14, 2018, made pursuant to Petition 29 of 2018 Ezra Chiloba versus Wanyonyi Wafula Chebukati and 7 others.

"As you are aware, under clause 3 and 5 of your employment contract, you are responsible for the prudent financial management of the Commission finances.

"The issues under investigation are weighty and touch on your role as the accounting officer. The outcome of the in-depth audit will inform any further action by the Commission," the statement directs.

He adds: "Your employment contract prohibits you from suing the Commission while in employment and disclosing the official/classified information without the prior written consent of the Commission which you have outrightly violated. 

"Based on the foregoing reasons, you are hereby suspended with immediate effect from your duties as the Chief Executive Officer of  IEBC for a period of three months," Chebukati concluded.

In April, Chiloba had moved to court in a bid to block his suspension from the commission.

The IEBC executive officer asked the court to grant temporary orders to allow him to resume work.

[caption caption="Wafula Chebukati"][/caption]