Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern ultimatum to President William Ruto regarding the formation of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Speaking at a church service at P.C.E.A Mwiki in Kasarani, Nairobi, Gachagua expressed concerns over the delay in establishing the commission, which he believes is a deliberate attempt to undermine the electoral process.
Gachagua emphasized that the IEBC should have been constituted three years prior to the next election.
With just two and a half years remaining until the 2027 general elections, he described the situation as problematic and urged the government to act swiftly.
“An election is as credible as the process. The electoral commission must be in place three years before the election.
Now, with only two and a half years remaining, there is still no IEBC, and people can read mischief into this delay,” Gachagua said.
“Why has the IEBC not been constituted? We are calling for the immediate constitution of the IEBC, urgently and as of yesterday.”
As calls for action grow, Kenyans online are rallying behind the hashtag #AppointIEBCNow, demanding that President Ruto fulfill his promise and appoint members to the commission.
On December 6, Supreme Court Judge Justice Isaac Lenaola also weighed in on the matter, urging Kenyans to use social media to bring attention to the critical issue.
“How can a country like ours stand on its feet without an electoral commission? Elections are in 2027, but we are in 2024 when will this commission be ready?
Why not use social media to impact legislation and raise awareness about this urgent issue?” Lenaola said.
Lenaola also pointed the finger at the Azimio coalition, suggesting that delays in appointing representatives to the selection panel were contributing to the holdup.
“The process is being delayed because Azimio cannot appoint their representative to the panel,” he explained.
In July 2024, President Ruto signed the IEBC Amendment Bill into law at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.
The event was attended by opposition leaders such as Raila Odinga (ODM), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Gachagua, and other members of Parliament.
This law paved the way for the establishment of a selection panel tasked with appointing new IEBC commissioners.
The amended law expanded the selection panel from seven to nine members, ensuring broader representation from various stakeholders and interest groups.
To qualify for appointment as an IEBC commissioner, candidates must now have at least ten years of proven experience in their respective fields, including expertise in accounting or information and communication technology.
Furthermore, the term for the IEBC secretary has been extended from three to four years, with one renewal option.
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