I will amend IEBC laws on commissioners' exit, Manegene tells panel

IEBC chairperson candidate Lilian Manegene has pledged to amend the electoral agency's constitution to ensure no commissioners quit before results are announced.

In response to a question about potential challenges she could face if successful in securing the position, Manegene referenced the controversial case of the Cherera Four. 

She expressed concern over the "running away" of commissioners and emphasised the need for a law to guide their exit.

"Running away of commissioners is likely to be a challenge I would experience, and that is why I would ensure to have a law that will guide the exit of a commissioner," Manegene said. 

She added that the move would promote transparency and build the commission's trust with Kenyans.

"We need to amend the IEBC laws. I will form a multi-agency team to look into the issues with the commissioners. With the experience that we have had, we need laws as guidelines for the commissioners," she explained.

On the issue of transparency in secret balloting, Manegene pointed to overcrowding at polling stations as a key challenge. 

"The main cause of interference with secret balloting is congestion of the polling stations. I will enforce strict adherence to the law to minimize the number," she pledged.

When asked about the past fallouts within the commission's leadership, Manegene attributed it to personality differences. 

She also shared a personal experience involving a disagreement with Kimunge Limited over a bounced check after a joint business venture failed.

"That was a disagreement with a friend after our joint venture did not work out and they wanted to pull out as we did not get the profit. He then went to the courts, and I was ordered to pay, and I did," Manegene said.

If appointed, Manegene reiterated that the rule of law would be her core guiding principle, especially when navigating morally grey areas during her tenure.