The electoral commission has written to the Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet over the withdrawal of security detail for the agency’s top chiefs.
In a written statement, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said it is seeking for understanding of the circumstances leading to withdrawal of security guards (including armed drivers) attached to the agency’s chairman Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Ayub Guliya and Boya Molu.
IEBC said the move is likely to expose Mr Chebukati and the commissioners to security risk and “undermines their effectiveness in executing the work of the commission”.
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The security detail of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati was withdrawn in April 2018, sparking controversy and concern.
The government removed armed security personnel, including drivers, assigned to Chebukati and two other commissioners, Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, without prior notice.
The IEBC condemned the move, stating that it exposed the officials to security risks and undermined their ability to perform their duties effectively.
The withdrawal occurred shortly after three commissioners resigned, accusing Chebukati of poor leadership. The IEBC argued that providing security was part of the commissioners’ contractual entitlements and should only cease upon the expiration of their contracts.
Following public outcry, the government reinstated the security detail two days later. The IEBC confirmed that the security personnel had returned, though it was unclear whether all officers had been reinstated.
This incident highlighted tensions within the IEBC and raised questions about the independence and safety of electoral officials in Kenya.
