- The former IEBC boss added that after the inquiry appropriate punishment should be meted out to those responsible.
- Chebukati highlighted that the outcome of such an inquiry will bolster the independence of IEBC.
Image: FILE
Former IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati and ex-commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu have declined a request to appear before the National Dialogue Committee.
The three were to appear before the committee and make oral presentations on Thursday
However, in a statement, Chebukati said that participating in the dialogue talks would be a reward for impunity.
"We won't be appearing before the National Dialogue Committee to discuss issues that have been resolved. With tremendous respect to the Committee, our participation in the talks would be an unmitigated betrayal to the IEBC Staff who were tortured and murdered," he said.
"Instead a Commission of Inquiry should be formed."
Chebukati explained that the commission should be set up to investigate the unfortunate incidences of August 15, 2022, at Bomas of Kenya which according to him brought the image of Kenya into disrepute.
"The inquiry should also uncover the reasons why some of the Commission abducted, tortured or even killed during the election period; identify persons responsible for those atrocities, "he said.
The former IEBC boss added that after the inquiry appropriate punishment should be meted out to those responsible.
Chebukati highlighted that the outcome of such an inquiry will bolster the independence of IEBC and ensure that it maintains the stature contemplated in the Constitution.
After six years of service, Guliye, Chebukati and Molu left the commission after their term ended on January 17.
The former IEBC boss said they conducted a successful general election in August last year.
It is through the elections that Chebukati says the President, governors, senators, Members of the National Assembly, and those of 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 above is self-evincing," he said.
The 'Cherera four' are also set to appear before the dialogue team
They include former vice chairperson Juliana Cherera and commissioners Francis Wanderi, Irene Marsit, and Justus Nyangaýa.
The meeting aims to address the issues that Azimio la Umoja had with President William Ruto’s election to the presidency.
This comes days after Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja faced a major hurdle in the re-constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
The Azimio Co-Chair in the National Dialogue Committee, Kalonzo Musyoka, admitted that though the committee has agreed on the re-constitution of the electoral body, both sides hold different views on how the re-constitution process should be undertaken.
The re-constitution of the IEBC is a top agenda item for the dialogue committee.