Outgoing chair of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Wafula Chebukati’s last day in office came with a bag full of surprises with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua intimating that they will provide him state security even in retirement.
Gachagua spoke during a meeting with the Independent commissions and constitutional offices at the State House, Nairobi.
"As a responsible government, we have made an adequate arrangement that in your retirement you have full protection and security to enjoy your life without fear so that you are safe because those are not good people," he remarked.
He further stated that Chebukati antagonised dangerous and powerful people during his tenure justifying the need to be assigned security.
Gachagua intimated that Chebukati, Commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye stood up for Kenyans.
Chebukati and the two commissioners are set to officially leave IEBC as their terms end on January 17 after six years of service.
Equally, Attorney General Justin Muturi asked President William Ruto not to allow Chebukati to retire.
The AG implored on Ruto's administration to give Chebukati another job.
"Let us emulate Chebukati's work. You are not retiring. I hope this administration led by Ruto finds some other place for you to continue leading this country with that kind of resolve," he remarked.
In October 2022, Ruto declared vacancies at the commission as Chebukati and the two commissioners prepared to exit.
Ruto too while addressing the audience made new claims about an alleged plot to kidnap Chebukati in the run up to 2022 elections.
He claimed that the plot was aimed at crippling the commission in an attempt to have new compliant officials.
"There was a direct attempt to abduct, and murder Chebukati so that the commission would be paralysed or a compliant commissioner takes over and subvert the people's sovereignty. It was a hard, cold, lonely time, the threats were dire, promised rewards lavish and pressure relentless," Ruto claimed.
Chebukati having served for 72 months (6 years) earned Ksh 39,916,800 while each of the two commissioners earned Ksh 33,056,136.
Equally, Chebukati is entitled to a Ksh 40 million mortgage while the two commissioners are to get up to Ksh 30 million.
