Embattled Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO Ezra Chiloba suffered a major blow on Monday after the body made the final decision to sack him.
According to a report by The Star, the decision was made after a meeting between IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye.
This is after Chiloba allegedly failed to honour an invitation to appear before the Commission's disciplinary committee on Monday morning.
The Commission wanted Chiloba to explain some of the decisions he made leading to possible loss of public funds.
Chiloba has been on suspension since April due to allegations of gross misconduct.
The formal termination of the CEO comes following a protracted legal battle after he was sent on compulsory leave to pave the way for an independent audit.
His woes at the commission began after auditors revealed that there was no value for taxpayers’ money in 10 tenders worth Ksh4.6 billion during last year’s general and repeat presidential elections.
On September 13, Chiloba's assistant Abednego Ominde was arrested alongside Acting IEBC Finance boss Agatha Wahome on allegations of trying to sneak out files from the offices.
Chebukati confirmed that the two officials were arrested as they tried to leave the office with 14 files from the procurement departments.
"Yes, I can confirm that the said individual who is a PA to the suspended CEO was nabbed at the basement parking with the files. I don’t want to speculate on the motive but you can tell," remarked Chebukati.
Upholding Chiloba's suspension, the Employment and Labour Relations Court instructed him to stay away from his office for three months awaiting the findings of the audit into the procurement of key election materials in the 2017 polls.
Update:
8:55 am: IEBC issued a statement refuting the allegations that CEO Ezra Chiloba, who is on suspension, has been dismissed from employment. "What is true is that the disciplinary process is on-going and the Commission will make an objective decision on the matter".
