IEBC chair hopeful Asembo faces tough queries over fraud claims, disciplinary cases as advocate
Panel Chair Nelson Makanda said they had received numerous complaints and supporting documents detailing allegations against Asembo.
Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) official and lawyer Robert Akumu Asembo faced tough scrutiny from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel over multiple allegations during the final day of interviews for the IEBC chairperson hopefuls.
Asembo was grilled over fraud accusations, involvement with a minor, forgery, disciplinary cases as an advocate, and financial misconduct, raising concerns about his suitability for the role.
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Panellist Oloo Adams asked Asembo why he should be considered for the IEBC chairperson’s role despite the weighty allegations against him.
“We have other candidates without integrity issues, yet you have a conviction and sentence that you have appealed, arrears in a lease agreement where the landlord is seeking eviction, a child-related case, and a fraud accusation. If we were to appoint you and one of these cases succeed, we would be forced to replace you. Why should we take that risk?” Oloo asked.
The panel’s vice-chair Kiome Linda Gakii revealed that Asembo had five open disciplinary cases as an advocate of the High Court, two of which had already been settled. She further questioned him about allegations of improper handling of client funds, including a Sh 1.85 million withholding funds case from 2023.
“Are you aware that you have a pending case regarding Sh1.85 million from a 2023 matter and that you have been cited for improper handling of client funds?” Kiome pressed.
Asembo, however, denied knowledge of the cases, stating.
“I am not aware; I have the right to a fair hearing,” he said.
Despite the mounting allegations, Asembo maintained his innocence, arguing that he had the right to a fair hearing and that unproven accusations should not disqualify him.
“These are just accusations that need to be determined. Until I am proven guilty, I believe I am free to apply for the position,” he insisted.
On the issue of forgery, panel members raised concerns about allegedly falsified documents related to a child’s case, which had been reported to the authorities under Child Affairs.
Asembo did not provide a direct response but reiterated his right to due process and said that he was falsely accused.
Panel Chair Nelson Makanda said they had received numerous complaints and supporting documents detailing allegations against Asembo.
He questioned whether appointing him could violate Chapter 6 of the Constitution, which emphasises leadership and integrity.
“Looking at these documents, it appears the panel must make a decision not just based on what you’ve presented, but also on the memoranda we have received,” Makanda stated.
“You have either denied awareness of the allegations, admitted to having a conviction that you have appealed, or dismissed claims from Kenyans saying you owe them money. If we were to appoint you, don’t you think we would be in gross violation of Chapter 6 of the Constitution?”
Asembo defended himself, arguing that allegations should be tested in court before being used against him.
“I don’t think so, chair, because allegations must be both convincing and contravening. You must be fair between the accusers and the accused, and I believe you are a fair panel,” he said.
Despite Asembo’s insistence on his right to apply, the panel remained firm that the integrity of an IEBC chairperson candidate is crucial.
As the selection process nears its conclusion, it remains to be seen whether Asembo’s controversial past will cost him the position or if he will overcome the allegations and proceed further in the selection process.
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