Rights group official denies ouster claim

• Jaoko vows she will not quit saying colleagues did not follow rules in removing her

The jostling for power at Kenya National Commission on Human Rights continued for the second day on Tuesday when the embattled chairperson declared that she would not quit.

Ms Florence Simbiri-Jaoko shot back at her critics, who had on Monday said they had ousted her, and advised them to check the procedures for her removal.

Ms Jaoko was responding to a move by seven commissioners to oust her as the chairperson.

The commissioners had also declared that they had formed a three- member committee that included Mr Lawrence Mute to take up the roles of the chairperson.

However, Ms Jaoko on Tuesday said there was no legal position for the meeting that purportedly ousted her.

“I am not aware of the procedure of the removal of chairperson that was followed by the commissioners,” said Ms Jaoko.

A meeting called by her rivals to brief commission staff on the changes failed to take off on Tuesday morning and was postponed until Wednesday.

According to a staff member who sought anonymity, the commissioners have been holding intense meetings for the past two days but the chairperson was excluded from the talks.

“I am not sure whether she chooses not to attend the meetings or the other commissioners would not allow her,” said the staff member.

Meanwhile, Mr Mute in a brief address to journalist on behalf of the other commissioners, said they would release a comprehensive statement on Thursday on their move. He said they had been meeting to discuss the action against the chairperson.

Legally according to the KNCHR Act 2002 Part II 11 says the chairperson’s office becomes vacant if the person dies or resigns or is convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three months.

If the chairperson is removed from office for misbehaviour or misconduct, the law requires that a tribunal is set up by the Chief Justice to listen to the complaints against the chairperson.