Wafula Chebukati's Statement After President Ruto Advertises His Job 3 Months Earlier

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati presents President-elect William Ruto his election certificate at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, August 15, 2022.
Former IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati presents President William Ruto his election certificate at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, August 15, 2022.
PCS

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati  broke his silence after President William Ruto announced a vacancy for his post.

The Head of State made the announcement vide a Gazette Notice three months before his term ends in January 2023.

In his statement, Chebukati welcomed the move noting that the early recruitment would ensure a smooth transition from one administration to the next.

He added that he was hell-bent on retaining institutional memory as opposed to previous administrations.

IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati at the National Tallying Centre in Bomas of Kenya on Friday, August 12, 2022.
IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati at the National Tallying Centre in Bomas of Kenya on Friday, August 12, 2022.
Kenyans.co.ke

"I wish to welcome the decision to gazette impending vacancies for the positions of IEBC Chairperson and 2 Commissioners which will officially be vacant from January 18, 2023.

"This will ensure smooth transition and retention of institutional memory which has previously not been the case," announced Chebukati.

In the Gazette Notice dated Friday, October 21, Ruto advertised the vacancy alongside the posts of two other commissioners whose terms end in January 2023.

These are commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye.

"Now, therefore, in the exercise of the powers conferred to me, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya notify of impending vacancies in the aforementioned positions," read the notice signed by the Head of State.

Chebukati was appointed as the chairperson in December 2016. He was part of the Commission that oversaw the 2017 and 2022 General Elections.

While declaring Ruto as the winner on Monday, August 15, Chebukati confirmed that he would exit office in January 2023.

"This was my last election as the Commission's chairperson," Chebukati stated at the Bomas of Kenya after the event was marred with chaos.

Prof. Abdi Guliye
IEBC Commissioner Prof Abdi Guliye at Bomas of Kenya On August 8,2022.
Kenyans.co.ke