Cherera who almost stopped President Ruto win speaks from US

Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) vice chairperson Juliana Cherera on Thursday, September 28 revealed to the National Dialogue Committee why she fled the country immediately after the 2022 general elections.

Cherera disclosed to the committee (virtually from the United States) that she left the country due to security reasons for herself and her family.

At the same time, IEBC Commissioner Irene Masit who also communicated virtually to the committee said that she fled the country out of fear.

Members of the National Dialogue committee during a meeting at Bomas oof Kenya on August 21, 2023. Photo: Kimani Ichungwah

Cherera also explained that it was still not safe for her to speak about some of the circumstances that led to the announcement of the 2022 presidential election results.

“It was bad even for my children in school. Our social life changed drastically, particularly for my children and my family,” Cherera told the committee.

Former IEBC vice chairperson Juliana Cherera speaking during a press briefing flanked by ex-commissioners Justus Nyang’aya, Irene Masit and Francis Wanderi. — Former IEBC vice chairperson Juliana Cherera speaking during a press briefing flanked by ex-commissioners Justus Nyang’aya, Irene Masit, and Francis Wanderi. Photo: Courtesy

“We have received several threats because of what happened during the elections, and that is something that we all know,” she stated.

At the same time told the committee that it was even worse for her case since members from her community were accusing her of betraying President William Ruto since they both come from the Rift Valley region.

“I come from Rift Valley and they say that I betrayed the President. I have never gone to my home,” Masit stated.

Masit told the committee that she did not see the reason for reporting the security threats to the police since she had decided to leave the country.

On the other hand, Cherera maintained that the 2022 general elections were not done transparently as it was alleged by a section of the IEBC commissioners.

“I asked the chair to refresh the screens so that Kenyans could see how many results were processed but he declined my request,” Cherera said.

She also noted that she was forced to resign from the commission and the pressure was so overwhelming that she had no otherwise.