Irene Cherop Masit Biography, Career, Education, and IEBC Tribunal Case

When you hear the name Irene Cherop Masit, what quickly comes to mind is the whole drama that followed Kenya’s presidential election and the noise around the IEBC.

But beyond the headlines and tribunal recommendations, there is a full story behind the woman, her career journey, her education, and how she rose to become one of the commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about Irene Cherop Masit biography, her background, career life, academic qualifications, net worth, and the tribunal case that led to the recommendation for her removal. Let’s get straight into it.

Who Is Irene Cherop Masit?

Irene Cherop Masit is a Kenyan lawyer and public administrator who served as a commissioner at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). She was appointed as part of a team mandated to oversee elections and ensure credibility in Kenya’s electoral process.

She was born and raised in Elgeyo-Marakwet County in Kenya’s Rift Valley region. Her background reflects strong academic grounding and years of experience working in governance, law, and public administration before she joined the electoral body.

IEBC Role and Election Controversy

Masit became widely known during the 2022 presidential election period. She was among four commissioners who did not agree with the final presidential election results announced by the IEBC chairperson.

After the election held on August 9, 2022, she was part of the group that opposed the certification of the presidential results. The situation later escalated into a national issue, leading to political tension and public debate.

A tribunal was later formed by President William Ruto to investigate her conduct and that of other commissioners. The tribunal was chaired by Court of Appeal Judge Aggrey Muchelule.

Following investigations and hearings, the tribunal concluded that her actions amounted to serious misconduct and recommended that she be removed from office as a member of the IEBC. According to the tribunal’s findings, there were claims that proposals were made to moderate election results in favor of opposition candidate Raila Odinga, which the tribunal viewed as gross misconduct.

Career Journey

Before her appointment to the IEBC, Irene Masit had already built a strong professional profile.

She previously served as a board member of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF). Over the years, she worked both in government institutions and non-governmental organizations, gaining more than two decades of experience in governance, finance management, leadership, and public administration.

Within the IEBC, she served in leadership capacities, including chairing key committees such as:

• Leadership and Integrity Committee
• Legal, Compliance and Political Party Liaison Committee

Her professional exposure also extended internationally. She has been associated with professional bodies such as the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), reflecting her background in governance and accountability systems.

Academic Qualifications

Irene Masit’s educational background is one of the strongest aspects of her profile.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from the same university, showing her early academic interest in community and social development.

After completing her law degree, she proceeded to the Kenya School of Law, where she obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, qualifying her for legal practice in Kenya.

She further advanced her studies internationally by earning a Master’s Degree in Strategic Human Resource Management from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.

Her combination of law, social work, and human resource management shaped her career in public service and governance.

Irene Masit Net Worth

During her vetting process in 2021, Irene Masit declared a total net worth of approximately Ksh47 million.

Her declared assets included:

• A residential property valued at about Ksh20 million
• Land in Eldoret valued at around Ksh5 million
• Land in Kajiado valued at about Ksh20 million
• A vehicle valued at approximately Ksh2 million

She also stated that part of her income between 2019 and 2021 came from earnings linked to service in public committees and boards, amounting to about Ksh2.8 million within that period.

Personal Life and Background

Irene Cherop Masit was born in Elgeyo-Marakwet County and grew up in a modest environment. While she has maintained a relatively private personal life, her professional records reflect a strong focus on public administration, governance, and institutional leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Irene Cherop Masit known for?
She is known for serving as a commissioner at the IEBC and for being part of the group of commissioners who rejected the 2022 presidential election results.

What did the tribunal recommend about Irene Masit?
The tribunal recommended that she be removed from office after finding her guilty of serious misconduct in relation to her actions during the 2022 election period.

What are Irene Masit’s academic qualifications?
She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Nairobi, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Kenya School of Law, and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Human Resource Management from the University of Manchester.

Final Thoughts

Irene Cherop Masit’s biography reflects a mix of strong academic achievement, long years in governance, and a controversial chapter in Kenya’s electoral history.