The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, has excused himself from hearing and determining 262 pre-elections disputes filed by disgruntled aspirants.
Speaking during the launch of the Dispute Resolution Committee on Saturday, June 11, the IEBC chairperson explained that despite being at the helm of issuing verdicts on similar complaints that were lodged during the 2017 polls, he has been forced to leave the disputes to other members of the committee.
Justifying his decision to step aside, Chebukati noted that some disgruntled aspirants have questioned his decision-making suitability, forcing him to pave way for other members.
"I shall not be sitting in any of the dispute resolution panels as a Returning Officer for the presidential elections. I have been informed that there are some complaints filed against my decisions so I will let others be the judges in those matters," Chebukati explained.
He, however, urged the panel to fast-track the cases and determine them without any bias.
"As the committee commences the hearing today, I just want to remind them that this is an election process subject to scrutiny and I urge the committee members to adhere to the principles of natural justice. Let everybody be heard and also strict adherence to the Constitution and the law while handling the complaints before you," Chebukati told the committee.
Among the presidential aspirants who had filed reservations and questioned Chebukati's decisions include Jimi Wanjigi of the Safina Party, Ekuru Aukot of the Thirdway Alliance, and independent aspirants James Kamau and Reuben Kigame. They were barred from the presidential contest.
The four have lodged complaints with the committee seeking a reversal of the commission’s decision to bar them.
Wanjigi faulted Chebukati's decision to disqualify him for lack of a University degree, explaining that he completed his course last December and was to graduate last month but his graduation was moved to November, hence that should not be used to deny him a chance to vie.
"I duly completed my course in December 2021. I was subsequently issued with a letter of completion by Daystar University and was scheduled to graduate in May 2022, an event the university has pushed to November 2022," Wanjigi explained.
But according to the latest directive by Chebukati, the panel will be required to deliver the decisions within 48 hours of hearing the complaints.
He pointed out that those who will be dissatisfied with the decision of the committee will seek other remedies that include going court.
The process is expected to take 10 days and all results made public.
