KENYA : Chief Economic Advisor to President William Ruto has joined the rest of the citizens and called for the Urgent Constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, IEBC, plus appointment of Commissioners.
In a statement on Saturday, December 7, 2024, Kuria noted that the country is living dangerously without the commissioners and urged the members tasked with overseeing the process to meet by next Monday, December 9, 2024, to kickstart the process.
"Even without the WIPER representative at the IEBC Selection Panel, I agree with Justice Lenaola. The Panel is Quorate. I urge the other members to meet on Monday and kick off the process of advertising for IEBC Commissioners latest by Friday 13th December. We are living dangerously without an electoral body" Kuria Stated.
Kuria, made reference to recent Concern raised by Supreme Court judge Isaac Lenaola, on the East African country's lack of an Electoral Body.
Supreme Court Judge, Justice Isaac Lenaola called out the government for failure to appoint the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners.
Justice Lenaola was Speaking on Thursday, December 5, at the Regional Conference on the use of AI, Digital and Social media in elections in the country, where he cautioned Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The Justice said he does not understand how Members of Parliament can continue to pass laws on other subjects while ignoring the constitution of the Electoral Body, which is the most important one.
Lenaola, Questioned how the East African Country can continue to operate without Commissioners at the electoral body, despite elections being just three years away. Asking how much time the commission will have should it be constituted, to prepare for the 2027 general elections.
“I am one of those Judges who are not limited in expressing my mind. I speak my mind. Mtanipeleka wapi? si Manyata ni hapa Samburu. I don’t understand why we are busy passing legislation very quickly on other subjects that are politically important but we don’t look at what is extremely important for this country." Lenaola Stated.
“For example the Electoral Commission, how can a country like ours stand on her feet if we do not have an electoral commission? Elections are in 2027, this is 2024, when will this commission be prepared?” he posed.
Justice Lenaola further stated that the appointment of IEBC Commissioners has been stalled by the unwillingness of the opposition coalition to appoint a representative to sit on the selection panel, reiterating that such issues must not hold the country hostage.
“Why is IEBC not being reconstituted? Because Azimio can’t appoint their representative to the panel. Is that something to hold a country hostage for two years?”
The Judge urged Kenyans to use social media to impact legislations by mobilising through hashtags.
“But why don’t we use social media to impact on legislation? Why don’t we have a hashtag 'Appoint IEBC Now' and spread it? Those who have an opportunity will actually follow it.” he stated.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commision, IEBC, has been without Commissioners since the resignation of the 'Cherera four' and the end of tenure of the three Commissioners including former chair Wafula Chebukati.
