The chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Wafula Chebukati is among the key witnesses who will be called to testify before the tribunal established by President William Ruto to probe the conduct of the four suspended commissioners who opposed the presidential results in August polls just before the official results were announced declaring Ruto the winner.
As commissioner Irene Masit prepares to appear before the tribunal, three of her counterparts have since resigned by Masit has opted to fight to the bitter end.
Former commission vice chairperson Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi and Justus Nyang’aya have exited the commission.
Six witnesses are anticipated to testify in the course of the hearings among them top IEBC officials, including commissioners Boya Mulu, Abdi Guliye, Chebukati, and IEBC staff, are among the other significant witnesses.
The hearings are set to begin on December 20 at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), as the four troubled former and suspended commissioners will appear before the tribunal individually to defend themselves before Court of Appeal judge Aggrey Muchelule lead team.
Even though Masit has already sought a court injunction to bar proceedings against her through her lawyer Donald Kipkorir, she wants the court to reinstate her, restore all of her privileges that have been revoked and stop any plans for her replacement at the commission.
Witnesses against Masit are expected to testify on the first day of the trial.
The hearing date was set by Justice Muchelule on Friday during a status conference after the tribunal overruled Masit’s protests regarding the procedures.
The four commissioners are accused of favoritism towards the presidential outcomes.
