The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati has said that the commission will continue to conduct by-elections as scheduled even as it struggles with a lack of quorum following the resignation of three of its commissioners.

“On 18th August we have a by-election in Baringo South. The three of us will chair various committees. The staff members are intact. The only thing we can’t do is to hold plenary meeting,” Chebukati said.

Chebukati, who was appearing before the Parliamentary Constitutional Implantation Oversight Committee on Tuesday, however asked MPs to fast track the replacement of the commissioners who resigned, saying disrupting or abolishing the commission will bring a lot of confusion.

“We would ask that you fast track the replacement of commissioners who left. Disrupting it or abolishing it will bring a lot of confusion. Lots of work has been done and ground covered. Let us not lose that” Chebukati said.

Chebukati further said that the lack of quorum in the commission is hampering the boundaries review exercise.

“Boundaries review might be hampered since we will have to wait for 2019 census,” he said.

IEBC COMMISSIONERS RESIGN

IEBC vice Chairperson Consolata Nkatha and Commissioners Paul Kurgat and Margaret Mwachanya announced their resignation in April, citing mistrust and a lack of direction on the chairman’s  part.

“For too long and way too many times, the commission chair has failed iebcto be the steady and stable hand that steers the ship in difficult times, and gives directions when needed,” the three IEBC commisioners said.