Manegene vows to amend IEBC laws on commissioners' exit

IEBC chairperson candidate Lilian Manegene has highlighted her vision for the electoral agency if appointed the next chairperson of the commission.

Manegene vowed to push for amendments to the electoral agency’s constitution to prevent commissioners from resigning before the election results are announced.

Appearing before the IEBC selection panel on Wednesday, Manegene cited the controversy surrounding the Cherera Four, stressing the need for a legal framework to govern the exit of commissioners.

She underscored the importance of stability within the commission, ensuring all officials see the electoral process through to its conclusion.

"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 stated that such a move would enhance transparency and strengthen public trust in the commission, ensuring stability and credibility in the electoral process.

Manegene highlighted overcrowding at polling stations as a major challenge towards ensuring the transparency of Kenya's polls, calling for improved measures to ensure a fair and credible voting process.

"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.

Asked about past leadership fallouts within the commission, she attributed them to personality differences, suggesting that improved teamwork and structured conflict resolution mechanisms could help foster unity among commissioners.

Manegene also addressed a past disagreement with a firm, Kimunge Limited, over a bounced check following a failed joint business venture.

She explained that after the venture did not yield profits, her business partner decided to withdraw and took the matter to court, where she was ordered to pay.

If appointed, Manegene reiterated that adherence to the rule of law would be her guiding principle, particularly when handling morally complex situations during her tenure.

A relatively unknown candidate, Manegene is a lawyer specialising in women’s rights and alternative dispute resolution in conflict situations.