IEBC returning officers are in Panic mode over the changes proposed in the recently released BBI report.
Hot News has exclusively leant that the 290 IEBC returning officers are contemplating quitting the commission all together and exploring ways to ensure the report is not implemented in its current form.
A returning officer who spoke to Hot News on condition of anonymity said the BBI recommends the recruitment of new commissioners ahead of the 2022 General Election.
He said if the changes are implemented, then there may be a trickledown effect where even returning officers are hired afresh.
He said the current returning officers are serving on a permanent and pensionable basis.
“We are mobilizing ourselves and raising the necessary cash. We have also engaged several lawyers to advise us. We were hired on permanent and pensionable terms. However, fresh vetting of commissioners may also see us vetted and hired afresh. We have gotten word that they also want us to serve on a non-renewable 3-year contract. This will be unfair to us.” Said another officer.
Last week, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukai hot out Raila Odinga and other BBI proponents for what he said was “unfairly targeting the commission,”
He said IEBC was the only commission being targeted.
The BBI also suggested that there should be clear and proper induction of the new commissioners’ responsibilities and management of elections in general.
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