IEBC commissioners agree to leave office on negotiated settlement

IEBC commissioners agree to leave office on negotiated settlement

Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have expressed their readiness to  go home saying they will support any dignified process for their exit.

In their submission at the Joint Select Committee on Wednesday, the commissioners said that they would not be a stumbling block in the reformation of the commission and expressed willingness to continue with preparations for the next General Election.

“The country is bigger than any of us and if there will be a political settlement, the commission will not be a stumbling block,” said Hassan.

“We are prepared for next year’s General Election and therefore our staff should be given time to prepare for 2017 elections.”

On Monday, the committee was forced to prematurely adjourn after IEBC commissioners questioned its legality.

The commission chair Issack Hassan, had told the committee that it had reservations over the process being carried out by the joint select committee saying it was hell-bent on finding reasons to illegally remove them from office.

“Our response today is based on a letter we received from the committee on Friday July 29, 2016 at 10pm demanding for our appearing before the committee,” said Hassan.

“This committee only intends to come up with reasons and processes for removal of IEBC commissioners from office which is in contravention of Article 251 of the Constitution.”

He said the only Constitutional process of removing commissioners from office is through a petition after members of the public raise allegations of wrongdoings among the commissioners.

On Tuesday, IEBC highlighted measure that they were putting in place to ensure the next elections are free and fair advising against the creation of a new voter registration and upholding the releasing of results at the county levels as they express their willingness to handle the 2017 polls.

But in the announcement made on the last day of the committee hearing, the commissioners, through their chair Issack Hassan, appeared to change tone on the issue saying they agree to leave office if a dignified process is put in place and proper compensation effected.

Commissioners Yusuf Nzibo and Sharawe conquered with Issack Hassan saying they are ready to leave office.

The committee co-chair James Orengo and Kiaritu Murungi praised the commisioners stand saying their stand showed their patriotism and love for the country.

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