Nyandarua senator, John Methu, wants Senate to condemn Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) vice chair, Juliana Cherera, and three other commissioners.
In a motion filed at the Senate on Thursday, October 6, Methu demanded that Cherera, Justus Nyang’aya, Irene Massit, and Francis Wanderi be held accountable for causing mayhem in the county.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the Senator explained that the Senate should not overlook the atrocities the four reportedly committed during the August 9 General Election.
“I am seeking for a censure of the four commissioners because they misused the power given to them by the Constitution to advance personal interest at the expense of Kenyans," Methu reiterated.
In addition, he wants IEBC chairman, Wafula Chebukati, to internally retribute the four commissioners under the Commission’s disciplinary policy.
The lawmaker further requested the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights to formulate laws to clear the ambiguities in the discharging of IEBC’s mandate.
"The Senate committee should introduce legislation that will seal the loopholes in the electoral process, including the manner of appointment of future IEBC Commissioners and enhance statutory and regulatory framework on the separate policy and administrative remit of IEBC,” the motion read in part.
Methu insisted that while compliance with Chapter 6 of the constitution is mandatory, commissioners should also be checked on their ability to perform the roles. Chapter 6 on Leadership and Integrity dictates the leadership responsibilities and conduct of state officers.
"What we saw was unacceptable and the fact that they couldn't even perform a simple mathematical equation was embarrassing not only to the commission but also to the country," he pointed out.
On September 9, Kenya Kwanza affiliate, Farmers Party, petitioned the 13th Parliament to dismiss Cherera, Massit, Nyang’aya and Wanderi.
Citing the ruling by the Supreme Court, the party noted that Chebukati had been vindicated from any wrongdoing in the election as claimed by the four and that their last-minute withdrawal had been flagged by the court.
Meanwhile, the dust appears to have settled in the commission, with all eight commissioners spotted together in the post-election retreat and other official duties.
However, staff allied to the two conflicting groups remain openly remorseful to the opposing sides.
