Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, a prominent ally of President William Ruto, has called on Irene Masit, a former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner, to return to Kenya after several years in exile.

Masit fled the country following the contentious 2022 presidential election, driven by fears for her safety amid allegations that government officials were targeting her to suppress information potentially supporting claims of election fraud.

During the funeral of Masit’s father, Chirchir Masit, in Chepkorio, Sudi extended a gesture of reconciliation, inviting the former commissioner to come back home. He emphasized that despite the political rift, Masit remains part of their community.

"Irene was on Raila Odinga's side during the election, and while we had different strategies, we have succeeded in our endeavors. Despite the political differences, Irene is still our own," Sudi said.

He continued, "Irene is not a stranger to President Ruto or to me. We want to tell her to return home so that we can work together. Differences in political actions don’t mean we are enemies."

Masit, along with three other former IEBC commissioners known as the 'Cherera Four,' fled to the United States after publicly challenging the results of the August 15, 2022, presidential election. The group, which also included Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera and Commissioner Justus Nyang’aya, faced significant threats and tensions following their opposition.

Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, confirmed Masit's departure and spoke at the funeral, delivering a message from her. "I had a lengthy conversation with Irene yesterday. While she couldn’t return, she wanted me to convey her condolences and express how much she wishes she could be here with you," Odinga said.

He added that Masit's absence had a profound impact on her father. "Irene shared that her father was deeply affected by her departure and the issues surrounding it, despite his advanced age," Raila revealed.