Juliana Cherera Quits IEBC

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Vice-Chair, Juliana Cherera, has resigned.

Cherera stated in her letter to President William Ruto on Monday, December 5 that she is stepping down from the commission, explaining how she carried out her duties in line with the mandate of her role at the commission.

"It is with immense woe that today I tender my resignation as commissioner and vice chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Since joining the commission, I have dispensed my duties diligently, and meticulously and put a spirited effort into helping the commission deal with corporate governance issues under very difficult circumstances.

IEBC vice chair Juliana Cherera during a past media briefing. /FILE

"As vice chairperson, I always advocated for fair treatment and equal opportunity for all staff. However, my cumulative actions done in good faith are unfortunately misjudged and misinterpreted," she explained.

She added that after careful consideration of the current events at the commission and with consultation with her family and lawyers, she accepted that her stay at the commission is no longer tenable and therefore chose to vacate.

"I sincerely thank His Excellency, Hon. Dr William Samoci Arap Ruto, The President of the Republic of Kenya for the opportunity accorded to me to serve the republic. God Bless Kenya," she added.

She is the second commissioner out of the four breakaway commissioners to step down after Justus Nyang'aya on Friday, December 2. The duo were suspended by President Ruto following recommendations from the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC).

The tribunal gazetted in the same circumstances to investigate them 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.

"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 four commissioners were accused of gross violation of the Constitution and a breach of their oath of office.