IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati and Team Demand Sh220 Million to Quit

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati and two remaining Commissioners has reportedly demanded Sh220 million for them to relinquish their positions at the agency.

A Commissioner who spoke to the Star in confidence said they were ready to leave office after three of their colleagues resigned on Monday, but after a negotiated package.

He said: “We have done nothing wrong and we are determined to go on with work, but if anyone wants us out, then we will ask to be paid for the remaining part of our terms."

Vice Chair Consolata Maina alongside  Commissioners Margaret Mwachanya and Paul Kurgat resigned from the commission citing Chebukati's leadership style.

Chebukati and Commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu are still in office, but they can't raise a quorum, meaning no decisions can be made at the moment.

If the government agrees to negotiate an exit package for them, the taxpayer will part with Sh220 million, being a total calculation of their monthly salaries and allowances for the remaining time they were supposed to be in office. For instance, Chebukati would take home Sh1.4 million per month in salary and other allowances, meaning he will walk away with about Sh81.2 million in sendoff package.

The three who stepped down on Monday as well as Roseyln Akombe, who quit in October, are not entitled to a compensation since their resignation was “with immediate effect”. They are, however, entitled to a gratuity.

National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale on Tuesday wrote to the Legal Affairs Committee asking it to begin the process of sending Chebukati and the two home.

“Parliament will take a lead in resolving this crisis and we will look for the best way out, including a negotiated exit for the remaining three,” Duale said.

In a statement on Monday evening, Chebukati vowed to stay put after the resignation of the three and urged Parliament to commence the process of replacing them.

 "The commission assures the public that its operations are on course and we remain focused on delivering our constitutional mandate," Mr Chebukati said in a statement.

"As the chairman, I am committed to the course of transforming the country's electoral management body to make it more responsive and professional."