Justus Nyang'aya, one of the four embattled Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners, resigned.
In a letter dated Friday, December 2, addressed to President William Ruto, Nyang'aya attributed the decision to a moment of reflection and soul searching.
The letter was sent to the President via the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei.
"It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as a commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) effective today (Friday, December 2).
"In the last few weeks, I have had serious soul searching and, being a man of faith, prayed fervently so that I may have the wisdom to make a decision that is in the best interest of the country," Nyang'aya wrote.
He further argued that his decision was in the nation's best interest, which superseded individual interest.
"I have always endeavoured to act in the best interest of the country, although my actions, taken in good faith, have been misconstrued.I am grateful that I have been given an opportunity to serve our great nation and intend to continue doing so in other capacities," he added.
President Ruto, on Friday, December 2, suspended Nyang'aya and the three other commissioners, vice chairperson Julian Cherera, Irene Masit and Francis Wanderi.
"Having received and considered the petition of the National Assembly and in the exercise of the prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government by Article 251 of the Constitution, I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, do hereby direct that;
"The four are hereby suspended from office with immediate effect, and a tribunal to inquire into the matter be and is hereby appointed," the notice stated.
He also appointed a tribunal to investigate the four over their conduct during the August 9 polls. The commissioners dissented against IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati and opposed his declaration of William Ruto as President-elect.
Justice Aggrey Muchelule will chair the tribunal with Carolyne Kamende Daudi, Linda Gakii Kiome, Mathew Njaramba Nyabena, and retired Colonel Saeed Khamis Saced among the members.
"The mandate of the Tribunal shall be to consider the petition for the removal of Juliana Cherera, Francis Mathenge Wanderi, Irene Cherop Masit and Justus Abonyo Nyang'aya from office and to inquire into the allegations therein," Ruto ordered.
Opposition leader, Raila Odinga, opposed the decision, claiming that Ruto was already plotting how he would rig the 2027 General Elections.
"Idea behind the formula of appointing IEBC commissioners and the hounding of the four commissioners have nothing to do with integrity, but about 2027.
"Ruto wants to rig the 2027 election. We should not allow this to happen," Raila lamented.
