The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has concluded that it has jurisdiction in the vote-rigging case of Muranga Woman Representative Sabina Chege. The Electoral Code Conduct Enforcement Committee was properly ceased of the case, according to IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati, who delivered the judgment at the Commission’s offices on Tuesday morning.”The Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee has jurisdiction, and the matter is legally ceased of the matter,” Chebukati ruled. “The preliminary objection is dismissed, and the matter proceeds to a full hearing.”
Earlier, Sabina’s lawyers led by Siaya Senator James Orengo and Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo claimed the Committee was overstepping its mandate. The case will be heard on Tuesday next week. Sabina was testifying before the Electoral Code of Conduct Committee of the IEBC. Sabina alleged that the 2017 General Election was rigged when speaking in Vihiga county during a campaign trip in Azimio.
Sabina had not broken the electoral code of conduct, according to Amollo, and the opinions expressed by the Murang’a Women Representative had nothing to do with the electoral commission’s behavior. “To cite this as a breach is an overreach on the part of the commission because Sabina’s sentiments had nothing to do with the commission.” “Our client’s answer is unaffected by the charge,” Amollo stated. Orengo warned the Wafula Chebukati-led commission that continuing to investigate the topic would put it on a perilous path, given the Supreme Court had already determined that the commission had mismanaged the 2017 presidential elections.
“Dealing with this situation will be risky for you; you should think again,” Orengo stated. Sabina’s words in violation, according to the Siaya Senator, cannot be used as a basis for an investigation. “The honorable thing for you to do is to resign from this situation, but that does not mean the investigation will finish.” The words “breach” cannot be considered a substance for investigation. “This is not an issue over which the commission has jurisdiction,” he stated.
The IEBC summoned the Murang’a Women Representative for stating that vote manipulation is likely in elections, including “this one.” “I’ve heard people say we manipulated things, and there’s some truth to that.” So, if we can rig this one, we can rig anything. They (opponents) believe they are the wisest,” she stated in Vihiga County with other Azimio la Umoja MPs on Thursday. The comments have gone viral on social media, with supporters and followers of Deputy President William Ruto asking her to back up her claims.
