Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued an ultimatum to President William Ruto over the formation of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Speaking while attending a Church Service at P.C.E.A Mwiki, Kasarani Nairobi, the former DP read on mischief in the delay of the formation of the commission.
According to him, IEBC ought to have been constituted three years before the next election, noting that the formation is already behind schedule.
Therefore, the former DP has called for the immediate reconstitution of the commission with urgency.
“And on matters of IEBC, an election is as credible as the process. The electoral commission must be in place three years before the election, now we have two and a half years remaining there is no IEBC and people can read mischief.
“Why has IEBC not been constituted? So we are calling for the constitution of IEBC urgently and as of yesterday,” said Gachagua.
Also Read:High Court Rules on Jail Term for Ex-IEBC CEO
Kenyans Join Gachagua in Demanding for IEBC Reconstitution
Using the hashtag #AppointIEBCNow, Kenyans online are demanding that the head of state keep his word and appoint members of the commission.
At the same time, Supreme Court Judge Justice Isaac Lenaola on Friday, December 6, called on Kenyans to use social media to call attention to the matter.
Why don’t we look at what is extremely important for this country, the electoral commission. How can a country like ours stand on its feet if it does not have an electoral commission?
The elections are in 2027, this is 2024, when will this commission be prepared? But why don’t we use social media to impact legislation? Why don’t we have a hashtag and spread it? Those who have the opportunity will follow it and do something about it.
Additionally, Lenona indicated that Azimio coalition was responsible for the delays.
“The process is being delayed because Azimio cannot appoint their representative to the panel,” he added.
Also Read: President Ruto Signs IEBC (Amendment) Bill into Law
Ruto Assent IEBC Amendment Bill
On July 9, 2024, Ruto assented to the IEBC amendment bill, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi in the presence of opposition leaders Raila Odinga (Orange Democratic Movement), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and leaders of the two houses of Parliament.
The assent paved the way for the appointment of the selection panel that will recruit the electoral body’s new commissioners.
Under the new law, the number of members of the selection panel has been increased from seven to nine to accommodate a wide spectrum of stakeholders and interest groups.
Individuals seeking to be IEBC commissioners will be required to possess proven knowledge and at least ten years’ of experience.
Additionally, experience in accounting or information and communication technology has been added as part of the professional qualifications for appointment as a member of the commission.
The Act also increases the term of the secretary to the commission from the current period of three years, renewable once, to a term of four years, renewable once.
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