The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has defended its decision to approve John Chebochok’s candidacy for the Kenya Tea Development Agency zonal director position at Tegat/Toror Tea Factory, amid questions about his suitability. According to a report by Nation, the commission clarified the reasons why they could not disqualify Chebochok’s candidacy citing availability of legit good conduct.
IEBC Reasons for Approving Chebochok’s Candidacy
IEBC Secretary Marjan Hussein Marjan issued a statement asserting that Chebochok met all necessary qualifications and no formal complaints were filed against him or his character. Marjan stated that,
“John Chebochok presented a valid certificate of good conduct, and therefore, qualified as a person of good standing in terms of the provisions of the Article of Association of Tegat/Toror Tea Factory Company.”
Chebochok had been implicated in a sexual exploitation investigation by BBC Eye on Africa. Despite this, he was elected as a Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) zonal director in Kericho County on Friday, defeating Philip Tonui and Serem in an IEBC-overseen election.
Marjan elaborated on the vetting process, noting the absence of formal objections to Chebochok’s candidacy. He emohasized that,
“There was no formal record of any complaint raised against the candidature of John Chebochok during the prescribed period.”
The IEBC maintains that the lack of complaints supports their position that Chebochok’s candidacy was legitimate and compliant with all relevant regulations. The statement by IEBC came shortly after KTDA had issued a statement distancing themselves from facilitating Chebochok’s candidacy.
This defense comes in response to recent criticisms and unverified claims in media and public forums suggesting Chebochok was unfit for the position due to alleged past misconduct and unfair treatment of subordinates.