About Sh1 billion may have been lost through flawed procurement of materials for last year’s twin general elections, an internal audit report has revealed.
In a sworn affidavit, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said the funds misuse is indicated in a preliminary report prepared by the commission’s internal auditors.
Among anomalies unraveled include goods being delivered after the polls, inflated tenders and undelivered goods.
Chebukati said the revelations back the commission’s decision to suspend the chief executive Ezra Chiloba.
"Since Chiloba is the CEO and various issues have emerged, the commission found it necessary to suspend him pending the completion of investigations."
He noted that the suspension was premised on the fact that all employees, including the auditors, are answerable to him (Chiloba).
His suspension, he said, was to ensure he does not interfere with ongoing investigations.
"Members noted that the in-depth procurement audit by both internal and external auditors was yet to be completed and that the presence of the CEO may interfere with the internal audit," the affidavit states.
Chebukati filed the affidavit in response to Chiloba's case on contempt of court proceedings against him and commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu.
He argues that the proceedings are premature and a nullity under the law and that the commission did not disobey the order for Chiloba to go back to work.
Chebukati, however, maintained that the decision to send Chiloba away was well informed considering the position he holds in the commission.
"The need to suspend the applicant has become even more apparent in recent times as he has, since his suspension, proceeded to a threats and blackmail spree against employees and even commissioners," he said.
The chair noted, however, that Chiloba may be cleared as the report is preliminary.
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