- Former IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati, together with commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu exited office on on January 17, 2023, following the expiry of their term.
- The Cherera Four—Juliana Cherera, Francis Wandera, Irene Masit, and Justus Nyang'aya— resigned from office.
Image: FILE
Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje now wants the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to be fully reconstituted.
Speaking at a TV breakfast show on Tuesday morning, the MP said the existing political situation is favourable for the recruitment of IEBC commissioners to kick off in earnest.
The IEBC has been without commissioners for over a year now following the retirement of its chair and two commissioners and the resignation of four others.
Former IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati, together with commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu exited office on on January 17, 2023, following the expiry of their term.
The Cherera Four—Juliana Cherera, Francis Wandera, Irene Masit, and Justus Nyang'aya— resigned from office.
The four disputed the 2022 presidential polls, a move that saw an ouster process started by Parliament to eject them out of office. They resigned as the process was midway.
“This is the right time to appoint the IEBC commissioners considering the political temperatures are down,” Mwenje said.
The IEBC as currently constituted cannot conduct any exercise including a byelection as it lacks a quorum.
A committee appointed by President William Ruto to kickstart the recruitment of commissioners was put on hold after bi-partisan talks between Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga agreed to start the process afresh.
And as days go by, Mwenje believes the commission should be fully reconstituted to prepare for the 2027 elections.
“We need a decent and fair referee for the 2027 elections. We need to start preparing for the next election," he said.
“We have had about 1 year and a half since the last election. By mid-next year, the commission should have already come up with a budget and reforms for the next election.”
Mwenje noted that the National Dialogue Committee report cannot be fully implemented if the IEBC is not fully reconstituted.
Marsabit Woman Rep Naomi Waqo backed Mwenje's sentiments saying several activities will stall if the commission remains the same.
"Without having the IEBC commissioners in place, we can't do much despite the NADCO report proposing IEBC changes we need to go the extra mile," Waqo, who was at the TV show too, said.
"Now we are getting into preparation for the next election and we don't have IEBC commission in place which is a big mess. We should give attention to IEBC matters and put the right and qualified people in place so that Kenya moves on."