IEBC clashes with Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia’s lawyers at conduct hearing

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Friday clashed with lawyers representing Kipipiri Member of Parliament Wanjiku Muhia, who was summoned over alleged violations of the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct.

Lawyers representing the Kipipiri lawmaker staged a walkout during an IEBC Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee hearing after raising a preliminary objection, arguing that the committee was not properly constituted and therefore lacked the legal mandate to hear the matter.

Muhia had been summoned to appear before the committee over remarks she allegedly made during a public rally in Ol Kalou last week, which the commission says breached the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct.

The lawmakers' legal team challenged the committee's composition, insisting that the proceedings could not continue before a body they considered improperly constituted.

However, the IEBC panel dismissed the objection, maintaining that the committee was lawfully constituted and had the jurisdiction to proceed with the case.

"You heard in the morning she did not come but her team of lawyers came and laid claim to her representation and we permitted them. There was a preliminary objection from them about our jurisdiction, and we were able to converse and in a considered finding, we are duly constituted and thus we proceeded,” said IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana.

The hearing stems from remarks allegedly made by the MP during a public gathering in Ol Kalou, which the electoral agency is investigating as part of its mandate to enforce compliance with electoral laws and regulations.