President William Ruto on Tuesday, July 9, assented to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Speaking during the exercise at the KICC, the Head of State noted that the signing of the bill marked a significant step in the actualisation of the recommendation in the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
"Today's assent to the IEBC Amendment Bill marks a significant step in the actualisation of one of the recommendations of NADCO and testifies to our country's ability to navigate difficult, complex, and sometimes divisive issues that could undermine our national cohesion, stability, and security if we leave it unattended," President Ruto remarked.
He asked Parliament to expedite the Conflict of Interest Bill, which he said would support the anti-corruption measures, especially in relation to public officers.
At the same time, President Ruto urged all leaders to come and work together to chart a way forward for the country.
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"As a way of charting the future from the current situation we are facing, I welcome leaders and other stakeholders, for us to work together and address the current economic situation through a broad-based political arrangement to rally the country forward," remarked Ruto.
He added, "I am confident that, as always, Kenya knows how to pull together and leaders know how to come together in the best interest, not of individuals, parties but the collective body of the Kenyan people. I look forward to working with leaders going forward on a broad-based political mechanism that will see us steer the country to the future."
The President was joined by his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Speakers from both Houses, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, among other state officials.
In his speech, Raila noted that the NADCO report highlighted many issues and if implemented fully, will solve the issues the country is facing.
For his part, Kalonzo asked the President to order the Inspector General of Police to order the police and military off the streets.
"If we are not careful, all of us will be thrown out by Gen Z. Can the President order the Inspector to either retire or remove the police from the streets? Can the army get out of the streets and back to the barracks?" Kalonzo posed.
The signing of the IEBC Amendment Bill into law now paves the way for the appointment of new IEBC commissioners.
