Juliana Cherera has resigned as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Vice Chairperson.
Her resignation comes a few days after President William Ruto suspended her and three other commissioners.
Juliana Cherera is the second commissioner to tender in her resignation after Justus Nyang’aya resigned from his post last week Friday, December 2.
In a Special Gazette Notice Number 258, President Ruto noted; “The mandate of the tribunal shall be to consider the petition for the removal of (1) Juliana Whonge Cherera, (2) Francis Mathenge Wanderi, (3) Irene Cherop Masit and (4) Justus Abonyo Nyang’aya from office as members of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and to inquire into the allegations therein.”
In her letter of resignation, Cherera said that her “stay at the commission is no longer tenable.”
“It is with immense woe that today I tender my resignation as commissioner and vice chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Since joining the commission, I have dispensed my duties diligently, meticulously and put a spirited effort in helping the commission deal with corporate governance issues under very difficult circumstances…,” she said.
“However my cumulative actions done in good faith are unfortunately misjudged and misinterpreted. After careful consideration of the current events at the commission and with my family and lawyers, I accept that my stay at the commission is no longer tenable and therefore choose to vacate.”
Juliana Cherera concluded her letter by thanking the president for the opportunity “to serve the republic.”
Furthermore, Nyang’aya in his resignation termed the decision to step aside as having been motivated by the desire to put the interests of the country above his own. He also added that he arrived at the conclusion after praying on it.
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“It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as a commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) effective today,” he wrote.
“In the last few weeks, I have had serious soul searching and being a man of faith, prayed fervently so that I may have the wisdom to make a decision that is in the best interest of the country. We all agree that the best interest of the nation must always supersede our individual interest.”
He added: “I have always endeavored to act in the best interest of the country, although my actions, taken in good faith have been misconstrued. I am grateful that I have been given an opportunity to serve our great nation and intend to continue doing so in other capacities.”
Moreover, the head of state suspended the four Commissioners and formed a tribunal to consider a petition seeking their removal from office.
