Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has accused the government of deliberately failing to constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as part of a calculated effort to disenfranchise young voters.
In a statement on Friday, January 10, the Senator described the ongoing vacancy at the IEBC as a deliberate design aimed at blocking new voters from participating in future elections.
Omtatah argued that this, coupled with persistent delays and errors in the issuance of ID cards, reflects systemic barriers intended to suppress democratic participation.
"The lack of a fully constituted IEBC is not accidental; it’s a deliberate design. This calculated move aims to block new voters, particularly the Gen Zs, who represent the majority.
"Coupled with delays and errors in issuing National IDs, it becomes clear that these systemic hurdles are meant to suppress participation in our democracy," he said.
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Omtatah emphasized the importance of ensuring that the right to register and vote is upheld, urging citizens to demand immediate corrective action.
"We must call this out and demand immediate action to ensure every Kenyan's right to register, vote, and be heard is protected," he added.
Notably, the reconstitution of IEBC has been delayed due to political disputes and legal challenges.
A significant issue arose within the Azimio la Umoja coalition, where internal disagreements led to legal actions that stalled the formation of the IEBC selection panel.
For instance, Augustus Muli sought intervention from the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal after attempts were made to replace him with Koki Muli as the coalition's nominee to the selection panel.
Additionally, the National Assembly's recess periods have contributed to the delays.
Although nominees for the IEBC selection panel were submitted to Parliament, the approval process was suspended when Members of Parliament went on recess on August 15.
Despite the National Assembly resuming sessions, the reconstitution process remains incomplete, partly due to ongoing legal proceedings and political disagreements.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula is among the leaders who have called for the urgent reconstitution of IEBC.
"We cannot afford further delays on boundary reviews or pending by-elections in our wards and constituencies. I urge those obstructing this process to reconsider their stance and allow the country to move forward,” he said.
