A prominent city lawyer has proposed bringing back former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati and his team to avert a looming constitutional crisis.
Speaking at a Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nyamira County on November 17, Lawyer Dunstan Omari warned that the country is on the brink of a major crisis due to the unresolved issues at the IEBC.
He stressed that the electoral process must continue to ensure stability.
“Elections must be conducted. Who will oversee the process? We are facing a constitutional crisis that could destabilize this country,” Omari said.
He urged the government to seek guidance from the Supreme Court to resolve the situation, noting that ongoing court cases could delay the reconstitution of the IEBC until 2027.
The prayer meeting also included remarks from political advisors to President William Ruto.
Karisa Nzae, one of the advisors, expressed concern about the stalling of the IEBC reconstitution due to conflicting interests.
He pointed out that some individuals were complicating the process, resulting in delays.
“The process is being delayed by constant changes and frequent court cases,” Nzae stated.
He also confirmed that discussions to seek an opinion from the Supreme Court were already in motion.
The delay in reconstituting the IEBC has left several regions without representation.
Areas affected include:
- Abanisha Constituency, Mandera County: MP died in early 2023.
2. Agarini Constituency: MP Harisson Kombe’s election was nullified.
3. Ugunja Constituency: Left unrepresented after Opiyo Wandayi became Cabinet Secretary.
The crisis has also delayed the boundaries review, originally set for March 2023.
The Kiambu High Court recently halted the forwarding of IEBC panel names to the president for appointment, following a petition by Boniface Njogu.
Njogu argued the process violated constitutional inclusivity provisions, further complicating the reconstitution process.
As the debate continues, many are calling for swift action to avoid further disruptions to the electoral system.
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