In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka criticized delays in reconstituting the IEBC, warning it could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.
- The lack of IEBC commissioners has stalled by-elections, boundary demarcation, and raised concerns from the Judiciary and elected leaders.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over the absence of a properly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Nearly two years have passed since the retirement of commissioners, including former Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, leaving the electoral body without full representation.
This void has hindered the process of conducting by-elections in constituencies and wards lacking legislators and has stalled the crucial exercise of boundary demarcation.
Speaking during a church service on Sunday, Gachagua warned that the lack of commissioners threatens the credibility of the 2027 General Elections.
He emphasized that the integrity of an election is determined by the fairness of the process. Referring to the Krigler Report, he noted that the commission should be in place at least three years before the polls.
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“Now we have nearly two and a half years left until the elections, yet there is no IEBC. People are bound to question the motives behind this delay,” said the former Deputy President.
He urged for the urgent reconstitution of the IEBC to ensure that the process is credible and fair.
At a separate event, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka criticized President William Ruto and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for allegedly delaying the reconstitution of the IEBC.
Kalonzo accused the government of using proxies to move to court and block Azimio’s candidate, Koki Muli, from joining the panel tasked with reconstituting the commission.
The absence of a fully functioning IEBC has not only alarmed political leaders but also drawn criticism from the judiciary. Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola recently expressed his frustration over the delay, blaming both the government and the opposition.
“How can a country like ours stand firm without an electoral commission? Elections are set for 2027, and this is already 2024. When will this commission be prepared?” he questioned.
These concerns highlight the growing urgency for swift action to restore the IEBC, ensuring that the democratic process remains intact and credible.