IEBC's Irene Masit Files Petition Against Her Impeachment

Commissioner Irene Masit of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), on Thursday, December 8, rebutted reports that she had resigned from her role. 

Through her lawyer, Donald Kipkorir, Masit filed a petition at the High Court challenging her suspension and the impeachment motion against her.

The statement from the embattled commissioner came amid increased pressure from various quarters anticipating her resignation. 

Kipkorir clarified that the reports on social media platforms alluding to her resignation were untrue and sponsored by political "brokers". 

Former IEBC commissioner Irene Masit during a past event

File

"Irene Masit has given me firm instructions to quash her unconstitutional impeachment proceedings.

"We have already filed a Constitutional Petition in High Court, Nairobi. Any reports that she has resigned are the work of political brokers and idlers," Kipkorir stated. 

Earlier in the day, the lawyer shared another statement challenging how the petition against his client's suitability was prosecuted and cast his doubts regarding the fairness of the final verdict. 

According to him, the procedure followed in constituting the tribunal and prosecuting Masit and her co-accused pointed towards a predetermined fate of the commissioners. 

"In civilized democracies, outcomes of judicial processes and inquiries are uncertain and unknown because the judge or umpire listens to a dispute courteously, wisely, soberly and impartially," the lawyer stated while referring to the impeachment process.

Masit is the only remaining commissioner in the bracket of the Cherera Four who dissented from the presidential election results declared by IEBC's Chairperson Wafula Chebukati on Monday, August 15. 

Former commissioner Francis Wanderi tendered his resignation to President William Ruto, on Thursday morning, December 8, over what he termed public lynching and a threat to his reputation. 

Wanderi joined former vice chairperson Juliana Cherera and former Commissioner Justus Nyang'aya, who had already resigned. 

Meanwhile, the tribunal formed by President Ruto to investigate the four officials in question was slated to convene on Friday, December 9, for a status conference under the chairmanship of Justice Aggrey Mchelule. 

Former IEBC commissioners Juliana Cherera (second left), Justus Nyang’aya, Francis Wanderi and Commissioner Irene Masit.

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