Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati was on Thursday issued with a 30-day ultimatum regarding CEO Ezra Chiloba's suspension.
The chairman and two commissioners were asked to show cause for defying an order given to lift the CEO's suspension or be jailed for six months.
Employment and Labour Relations Judge Stephen Radido asked the three to defend themselves against the contempt of court accusation.
Chiloba accused the IEBC officials of changing the locks to the office to bar him entry after the judge lifted his suspension.
[caption caption="IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati issues a statement accompanied by two remaining commissioners Abdi Guliye (L) and Boya Molu (R)"]
[/caption]
Chebukati had earlier stated that the decision to suspend Chiloba had been arrived at following consultations.
In the affidavit he submitted, the chairman further explained that his job description and the nature of his position at the commission allowed him to do so.
In a letter written to Mr Chiloba, the chair explained that his suspension had come about after the CEO allegedly violated a clause in his contract.
"As you are aware, under clause 3 and 5 of your employment contract, you are responsible for the prudent financial management of the Commission finances.
"The issues under investigation are weighty and touch on your role as the accounting officer. The outcome of the in-depth audit will inform any further action by the Commission," the letter read in part.
A report later emerged implicating Mr Chiloba in the embezzlement of Ksh1 Billion allocated to the commission.
Chiloba took the chairman back to court as soon as he was locked out stating: "I came back but I could not access my office. I cannot force my way inside but I will find a way to do that by seeking the intervention of the courts."
[caption caption="Suspended IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba speaks during a past media brief"]
[/caption]
