Chiloba says PA was going to make copies, not sneaking out documents

Suspended IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba has refuted reports that his Personal Assistant was on Thursday afternoon caught sneaking out documents from the electoral commission.

Chiloba’s personal assitant Mr. Abednego Ominde and IEBC Acting Finance Manager Ms. Agatha Wahome were arrested at the basement parking with 14 files from the Finance and 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,” Chebukati told Citizen TV. “The Nairobi area DCIO is handling the matter.”

However, Chiloba says the officials were going to make copies of documents that would be required upon his return on Friday.

“I am made to understand that the officer was going to run copies of the relevant documents in preparation for my return to work on September 14, 2018. This is not unusual and therefore the officers should not be victimized for doing what they are supposed to do in good faith,” said Chiloba.

The embattled CEO says he had requested for copies of the documents as he prepares to respond to audit queries that triggered his suspension.

“I was due to resume duty on 14th September 2018. Given the magnitude of the audit queries raised, my over 5 months absence from office and the need to respond to those queries adequately, I personally requested copies of the relevant documents to be ready on my return to work,” said Chiloba.

“On August 31, 2018 I received a letter from the Chairman of the Commission forwarding two internal audit reports together with show cause letter to which I was to respond to within 7 days.”

Meanwhile, Chebukati has dismissed Chiloba’s claim that his five-month suspension was lapsing on Thursday and was expected back in office on Friday.

According to Chebukati, Anniversary Towers remains a no-go zone for Chiloba until investigations into expenses incurred in last year’s elections are concluded.