Election observer group asks Ruto to forgive dissenting IEBC commissioners
PIMAC International election observer group has asked President William Ruto to forgive the four dissenting Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners who challenged his August 9, 2022, victory.
The four, IEBC Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera, commissioners Irene Masit, Justus Nyangaya, and Francis Wanderi, rejected the presidential results announced by IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati on August 15, 2022, claiming the final tallying of the results was marred with discrepancies and irregularities.
The four also filed affidavits supporting Azimio’s unsuccessful petition challenging Ruto’s win at the Supreme Court. So far, three of the commissioners; Cherera, Wanderi and Nyang'aya have resigned. Masit is yet to resign.
Speaking on Friday, January 20, 2023, the lobby stated that the funds used to seek 'justice' should be used to help needy citizens languishing in poverty.
The group also asked the country's first in command to convene a meeting with the aforementioned commissioners to get an account of what happened and forgive them.
"The President can consider forgiving the four commissioners and instead use the money used in inquiring into their 2022 electoral process activities to help needy families stricken with hunger and poverty," the group said.
"The President and Her Excellency Mama Rachel Ruto, the first lady of Kenya, are religious and God-fearing,” they added.
Further, the group implored Ruto to continue reconciling and re-uniting Kenyans for the country's good.
“We need more reconciliation and unity activities in bringing the country together as one people, one nation, creating employment, bringing food on the table, bringing money in the pocket, improving our economy,” they said.
“IEBC and stakeholders should now focus on the 2027 election cycle,”
They additionally urged spiritual leaders to join hands in asking the president to forgive the four commissioners and further requested the commissioners above to ask Kenyans for forgiveness.
