The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Recruitment for the next cohort of commissioners at the IEBC has begun, with a focus on the political factions of William Ruto and Raila Odinga following President Ruto’s signing of the IEBC Bill, 2024.
This legislation, a result of post-election discussions between Ruto and Odinga, establishes a nine-member panel tasked with appointing new commissioners.
Currently, the IEBC faces a crisis due to its dysfunctional state, hindering by-elections. The process ahead involves major coalitions nominating two members each through the Parliamentary Service Commission, representing both majority and minority interests.
Additionally, the Political Parties Liaison Committee will nominate three members, while the Law Society of Kenya will nominate one.
The panel will also include a representative from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya and two from the Interreligious Council of Kenya. President Ruto is expected to promptly submit nominees to Parliament for approval.
Following the retirement of former chairman Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye last January, and the removal of four other commissioners who opposed Ruto’s presidency, the new panel’s formation is critical.
The new law discontinues the previous selection panel led by Nelson Makanda but allows its members to be reconsidered. This move aims to address concerns over the previous panel’s legitimacy, particularly from the Azimio faction.
President Ruto emphasized the importance of integrity and professionalism in the new commissioners, stressing the need for capable leaders to manage elections and boundary reviews effectively.
With a constitutional crisis looming due to delayed boundary reviews and by-elections, there is urgency in forming the new IEBC panel, which has a 90-day deadline to complete its task, extendable only by Parliament.
The law also mandates that the vice chairperson cannot automatically assume the chairperson’s role in case of a vacancy, and introduces criteria emphasizing expertise in IT and accounting to strengthen the commission’s leadership and accountability.
