The three Dispute Resolution Committees will be led by a Presiding Chairperson, who would be assisted by a team of members and secretaries, according to Chebukati.
“The Commission in readiness for the election shared statutory qualifications and requirements for aspirants who intended to vie for any elective seat however like every process anyone who is aggrieved is allowed to challenge the decisions made by the returning officers,” Chebukati said when he launched the Committees at the Milimani Law Courts.
Presidential candidates Jimi Wanjigi of the Safina Party, Ekuru Aukot of the Thirdway Alliance, and independent presidential aspirant James Kamua are among those who are likely to appear before the Dispute Committees after failing to meet the Commission’s minimum requirements.
When Chebukati kicked them out of the presidential campaign, the trio accused him of being biased.
“As you are aware some of the complaints target me hence I will not be chairing any of the committees,” Chebukati said.
The Commission has approved four presidential candidates: David Mwaure Waihiga (Agano Party), Professor George Wajackoyah (Roots Party), Raila Odinga (Azimio Coalition Political Party), and William Ruto (Azimio Coalition Political Party) (United Democratic Alliance-UDA).
Chebukati, on the other hand, challenged the Committees to be fair during the hearing and to weigh all the facts before making a decision.
“As the committee commences the hearing today, I just want to remind them that this is an election process subject to scrutiny and I urge the committee members to adhere to the principles of natural justice. Let everybody be heard and also strict adherence to the Constitution and the law while handling the complaints before you,” he said.
Following the conclusion of the hearings, the Committees that will hear the disputes through June 20, 2022 will have 48 hours to make their judgement.
Aspirants who are dissatisfied with the committee’s decision should pursue other options, such as filing a lawsuit in the High Court.
The committee is anticipated to make decisions within two weeks after hearing the complaints, allowing the Commission to prepare ballot papers for the election, which is set to take place at the end of June.