Immediate former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati has snubbed an invitation to make an oral presentation before the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).
Chebukati had been summoned alongside his former vice Juliana Cherera and five commissioners to appear before the Committee on Thursday.
In a social media post released on Thursday, September 28, 2023, the ex-IEBC boss said he does not wish to make any submissions before the committee since the move would not only be a reward of impunity but also an act of betrayal to IEBC staff whom he claimed were tortured and murdered during the 2022 election period.
He asked the committee co-chaired by National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wa and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to form a Commission of Inquiry arguing that the matter in question had been resolved.
"I won’t 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 noted the Commission of Inquiry should also be tasked to investigate the August 15, 2022, incidents at Bomas of Kenya as well as bring to book culprits behind abductions, torture and murder experienced during the election period.
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."
Prof @abdiguliye @moluboya & I won’t 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. pic.twitter.com/3BOhsnke8V— Wafula Chebukati EGH (@WChebukati) September 28, 2023
