Embattled Independent and Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Irene Masit clarified reports claiming that she met Azimio La Umoja leaders at an apartment in Kilimani.
Through her lawyer, Donald Kipkorir, Masit, on Wednesday, December 14, added that Kenya Kwanza politicians, relatives and friends of the Cherera 4 commissioners also visited them at the apartment.
“There are reports in the media about Azimio leaders visiting our apartment. This is part of an agenda targeting me as it factually incorrect,” Masit told the tribunal.
The embattled commissioner added that the four accused officials, former IEBC commissioners, Juliana Cherera, Justus Nyang'aya, Francis Wanderi and her, relocated to the apartments in Kilimani in fear for their lives.
The four checked in at the apartments after their infamous Serena Hotel press conference, where they rejected the declaration of William Ruto as president-elect.
Masit was also aggrieved that the tribunal allowed new evidence to be introduced in the case.
She insisted that the tribunal was not legal and should not investigate her, further clarifying that doctored reports were shared to taint her name.
“By allowing this new evidence, the tribunal violated Article 50 of the Constitution and Section Four of the Fair Administrative Action Act,” Masit argued in her petition.
“The new evidence was not legally obtained and it is a blatant violation of the Constitution,” Masit added.
Masit further reiterated that she will not be intimidated to resign. Her lawyer, Kipkorir, filed a preliminary objection against the case, seeking its withdrawal while arguing that the tribunal did not have jurisdiction to hear the petition.
Despite the valiant defence, Masit felt that her future was already predetermined.
“The tribunal is just going through the motions of an already decided case. This is because the petition brought to parliament was a political witch hunt not a constitutional process,” Masit lamented.
She cited the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) chair and Tharaka MP, Gitonga Murugara, arguing that he was biased. JLAC recommended the removal of the four officials prompting President Ruto to form a tribunal to investigate the case.
“To show the case is politically motivated, the committee chairperson was part of the legal team representing President William Ruto's UDA party.
