Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as possible.
In an update on Tuesday, December 3, he asked those preventing the reconstitution of IEBC to set aside their interests and allow the process to kick off.
"I urge those who are standing in the way of reconstituting IEBC to see the bigger picture. They should set aside their narrow selfish interests in preference for the greater good of the nation. Please, allow us to reconstitute IEBC as soon as possible!
"We want the commission to begin working towards credible use of technology – among other preparatory chores – in readiness for a credible election. IEBC must also conduct voter education on the technology it is going to use, including digital technology," Kalonzo said.
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This comes barely a month after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura attributed the delay in the reconstitution of IEBC to the replacement of a member of the selection panel.
According to the government, Azimio la Umoja replaced its nominee in the selection panel, hence the delays in Ruto officially appointing the panel.
"The reconstitution of the IEBC has however been in limbo due to the replacement of Augustine Muli with Koki Muli by the Azimio la Umoja Coalition party, which resulted in a tribunal order restraining parliament from submitting names to the President for appointment of members to the selection panel," read the statement in part.
In July 2024, President William Ruto signed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Amendment Bill, 2024, into law.
This legislation facilitates the appointment of a new selection panel to recruit IEBC commissioners, following the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
Ruto emphasized his commitment to implementing this electoral reform to enhance electoral integrity in Kenya, addressing past criticisms of the commission's performance during elections.
“The signing of this bill paves the way for the establishment of the selection panel for appointment of IEBC commissioners. The IEBC remains a cornerstone of our democracy responsible for overseeing regular elections at various levels and ensuring that our electoral cycle is managed transparently and administered in an impartial neutral, efficient, accurate, and accountable manner,” he said.
