National Assembly Deputy Speaker, Gladys Shollei, on Friday, December 2, maintained that investigations against the four dissenting Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners will continue regardless of any resignations.
Shollei, in a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke stated that the tribunal instituted by President William Ruto was mandated to give insights into the conduct and suitability of the four commissioners.
She added that investigations will ensure that Kenyans understand the truth behind the scuffle and confusion witnessed at the Bomas National Tallying Center during the August 2022 election when the electoral commissioners were at a cross-purpose.
According to the Deputy Speaker, the tribunal shall investigate the matter and report on the facts and make a binding recommendation to the President as stipulated in article 251 of the Constitution.
“Resignation cannot extinguish the duty of the Tribunal constituted to investigate IEBC commissioners.
"The Tribunal must discharge its duty to interrogate their conduct and report on the facts. Kenyans deserve to know why they engaged in grave misconduct during the last election," Shollei stated,
Her sentiments came hours after Justus Nyang'aya, among the four commissioners sparked a nationwide debate after quitting his role.
Justus Nyang'aya tendered his resignation, underlining that he had meditated and ascertained that it was best to put the national interest first. The other three, vice chairperson Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi and Irene Masit, are still in office.
“I have always endeavoured to act in the best interest of the country, although my actions, taken in good faith have been misconstrued," the letter read in part.
The resignation came against the backdrop of a brewing antagonism between the two major political factions in the country.
President Ruto effected the recommendation of the National Assembly to suspend the embattled four commissioners and further instituted a tribunal to investigate them.
On the other hand, Azimio la Umoja under the leadership of Raila Odinga vowed to vehemently oppose the move in what they described as an attack on independent institutions.
