The leader of the majority, Kimani Ichung’wa’s, plan to alter the composition of the selection panel of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners has set grounds for collision with the opposition.
The Bill, currently in the public participation stage before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), seeks to reduce the representation of the parliamentary commission from four to two.
It also proposes giving one slot each to the public service commission and political parties liaison committee.
On Tuesday, November 21, minority whip Junet Mohammed vehemently opposed the move, arguing that it aimed to control the panel ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“This is fake and an attempt to subvert the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly. Never resolved in JLAC, “ Junet tweeted.
Earlier, on Thursday, November 10, the Suna East MP vowed to lobby MPs and the public to reject the motion submitted in Parliament.
“Now, this is the real state capture and 2027 Elections. What is the hurry!” Junet wondered.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, however, differed, arguing that the allegations were baseless and ill-founded.
“The era in which people thought that for you to win an election, you must have a hand in deciding who becomes the head of IEBC is gone.
“Kenyans have come of age now and will elect the systems that IEBC has put in place. No one has to know a commissioner to win an election,” Didmus argued.
He urged the minority to table amendments in Parliament and suggest improvements or oppose the bill in its entirety.
Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku believed the bill was well in line, stating that it aimed at achieving a more cross-sectoral representation.
“The principal object of this Bill is to amend the First Schedule to the IEBC No 9 of 2011 to change the composition of the Selection Panel that oversees the filling of vacant positions in the Commission,” the Bill reads in part.
President Ruto gazetted the imminent vacancies at the commission ahead of the exit of IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati and two other commissioners, Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, in January 2023.
The ruling coalition has been baying for the ejection of the four commissioners who dissented in the August 9 presidential election.
Vice-chair Juliana Cherera and commissioners Irene Masit, Justus Nyang’aya and Francis Wanderi are staring at ousters after a petition seeking their removal was tabled at the National Assembly.
