Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman, Wafula Chebukati, has declined an invitation to provide oral testimony before the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).
This committee had summoned Chebukati, along with his former vice-chair Juliana Cherera and five other commissioners, for a scheduled appearance on Thursday.
In a social media post released on September 28, 2023, Chebukati stated his reluctance to make submissions before the committee.
He argued that such an act would not only condone impunity but also betray IEBC staff who, he alleged, had suffered torture and murder during the 2022 election period.
Instead, Chebukati called upon the committee, co-chaired by National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichungâwa and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, to establish a Commission of Inquiry.
“I wonât be appearing before the National Dialogue Committee to discuss issues that have been resolved. To participate would be to betray IEBC staff who were tortured & murdered, & a reward for impunity. Instead, a Commission of Inquiry should be formed,” he wrote on his official X account.
He contended that the issues in question had already been resolved.
In his official statement, Chebukati emphasized the need for this Commission of Inquiry to investigate the events of August 15, 2022, at Bomas of Kenya and hold those responsible for abductions, torture, and murder during the election period accountable.
Chebukati further noted that during his tenure, the IEBC had fulfilled its mandate, including the successful conduct of the 2022 General Elections.
He expressed hope that the Commission of Inquiry would shed light on the unfortunate incidents at Bomas of Kenya and uncover the reasons behind the mistreatment and loss of life of some IEBC staff during the election period, leading to appropriate consequences for those involved.
A further statement signed by Chebukati read: “During our term in office, we delivered our mandate including the successful conduct of the 2022 General Elections. It is through those elections that the President, Governors, Senators, MPs and those County Assemblies now occupy their offices. Some of them are now members of this Committee. The discharge of our constitutional and legal mandate as detailed is self-evincing. It is our fervent hope that a Commission of Inquiry will be set up to investigate the unfortunate incidences of August 15, 2022, at Bomas of Kenya which brought the image of our country into disrepute.
Adding;
“The Inquiry should also uncover the reasons why some of the Commission’s staff were abducted, tortured or even killed during the election period. Identify persons responsible for those atrocities, and thereafter appropriate punishment should be meted out.”
