Former Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang’i has sent a warning to new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon and the new commissioners.
Speaking on July 14, Matiang’i asked the Commissioners to understand that Kenya has plugged into problems in the past because of the conduct of the IEBC and the Court.
Matiang’i said Kenyans don’t want games in the IEBC, the Supreme Court and other critical government agencies.
“Where we are as a country right now, we cannot afford games around the IEBC. We had problems in 2007 because people lost hope in the IEBC and the courts. We can’t lose hope again in IEBC, the Courts or other government institutions, and we think that we will have peace,” he said.
He clarified that he does not want to judge the new commissioners but advised them that any mischief might lead the country into problems.
“I don’t want to pass judgment on those who took over the IEBC. But they should understand that we won’t have peace if Kenyans think that there are games around the IEBC. They should not try to bring foul play in the Commission because that will only mean problems in future,” Matiang’i added.
Opposition’s Take on IEBC
Matiang’i said the opposition will discuss and follow up on their job at the Commission.
However, he warned that problems will arise if the Commissioners continue with ‘games’ at IEBC.
“We will sit down with my partners and advise each other and look into how they do their work. I want to assure them that if it is the normal cycles and games we hear are being played, then there will be problems,” he said.
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Besides, Matiang’i said Ethekon and the Commissioners are Kenyans, and they should understand the current status of the nation.
He advised the Commissioners to deliver a fair and credible election in 2027 since that is what Kenyans need.
“The best thing that can ever happened to this country is a free, fair and transparent election. The absence of that means unimaginable things that I don’t want to talk about,” he said.
Also Read: Matiang’i Warns Ruto on Handling Gen Z Protests
Matiang’i Says IEBC Commissioners Qualified
Matiang’i said Kenya has a history of getting into problems because of the electoral commission.
He praised the new Commissioners, stating that they are educated and qualified for the role, but asked them to do what is right.
“I looked at their papers and they are educated, others I know because I know their qualification. They should, however, understand that we have a history of getting into problems because people lose hope in the election,” he said.
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