Cherera Four Commissioner Quits

Justus Nyang'aya, one of the four breakaway Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners, has resigned.

Nyang'aya stated in a letter to President William Ruto on Friday, December 2 that he had stepped down from the commission to do some soul searching.

President Ruto had previously suspended the commissioners and formed a tribunal to investigate their actions during the August 9 general elections.

Embattled IEBC commissioner Justus Nyang'aya. /FILE

"It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as a commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) effective today,” he wrote.

“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. We all agree that the best interest of the nation must always supersede our individual interest.”

He added: “I have always endeavored 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.”

The tribunal gazetted on Friday, December 2 will be chaired by Justice Aggrey Mucheule.

Carolyne Kamende Daudi, Linda Gakii Kiome, Mathew Njaramba Nyabena, and retired Colonel Saeed Khamis Saced were also appointed to the tribunal.

Cherera will be investigated alongside 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," read the gazette notice in part.

By denying the results of the presidential elections in August as announced by IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati, the trio are accused of gross violation of the Constitution and a breach of their oath of office, which makes their status illegal to hold office.