Tense Exchange as IEBC Chair Candidate Robert Asembo Defends Past Record Before Panel
The IEBC selection panel concluded its rigorous interviews for the next chairperson, maintaining a firm stance on integrity. Robert Akumu Asembo, a seasoned lawyer, faced intense scrutiny regarding his past legal disputes.
During the final interview day, on March 26th, the panel focused on Asembo’s legal history, questioning its potential impact on his suitability for the IEBC chair role.
They were particularly concerned about the implications for leadership and integrity, as outlined in Article 6 of the Kenyan Constitution.
Panel members asked Asembo how he would manage if appointed, given his pending court cases. They emphasized the risk of the country needing to find a replacement should any case succeed against him.
Asembo defended himself, claiming that many cases had been resolved amicably. He promised to provide evidence. However, the panel remained skeptical.
“If we were to make you chair of the commission and one of the cases succeeds, you know the country will have to seek another chair,” a panelist stated.
Asembo responded by accusing the panel of unfair judgment. He argued that legal issues shouldn’t disqualify him, emphasizing the importance of fairness to both accusers and himself. “Given the rule of law, you should not condemn anyone the way you are condemning me,” he asserted.
He further stated, “The decision of the commission (to overlook me) would not be fair because those issues can be solved. If I lose the position and I succeed in those issues, is my loss redeemable? You have to be fair to both my accusers and me. I believe you are a fair panel.”
Asembo wasn’t the sole candidate under intense examination. Kakai Kissinger, the Deputy Chief Registrar, also faced tough questions regarding past controversies during her interview on March 25th.
The panel pressed Kissinger to explain her appearance in reports by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and her recommendation for prosecution related to corruption allegations.
Kissinger defended herself, stating she was a victim in the Judiciary and had chosen to forgive her adversaries. This response did not satisfy the panel, which continued to question her involvement in judicial reform cases.
Tense Exchange as IEBC Chair Candidate Robert Asembo Defends Past Record Before Panel
