A late night email sent to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO Ezra Chiloba on Saturday was what informed him that he would no longer need to report to his office at Anniversary Towers.
Divulging the information after being sent on compulsory leave, Mr. Chiloba said that he received the email after a meeting chaired by IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati.
A report by the Nation indicated that Chebukati held the monthly plenary meeting on Friday before traveling to Nigeria. Chiloba’s suspension was discussed and the decision to proceed supported by commissioners Boya Molu and Prof Abdi Guliye.
However, IEBC Deputy Chair Consolata Maina and Commissioner Dr. Paul Kurgat were against it.
“I received an email this morning, which was sent on Saturday night, saying the plenary met and resolved that I take a three-month compulsory leave so that IEBC undertakes an audit on the procurement for election materials,” Chiloba told the Nation.
He added that he had not yet received the formal letter.
Why Chiloba was sent home
In a statement, Chebukati noted that the three-month compulsory leave will allow for proper investigations on the procurement.
"The Commissions’ plenary meeting held on Friday 6th April received and discussed an audit report on some procurement matters.
Subsequently, it was decided through a majority voting to expand audit scope and that the CEO proceeds on compulsory leave for a period of three months to enable conclusion of the audit," he said.
Chiloba came under fierce attack in 2017 with the National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders accusing him of rigging the election to favour President Uhuru Kenyatta-led Jubilee party.
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