The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly has urged political leaders to support the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Vice-chair Mwengi Mutuse emphasized that leaders should avoid creating obstacles and then blaming the government for any delays in forming a new team.
“We urge those playing games to clearly state their intentions. From our perspective as a committee, we hoped for the IEBC to be in place by last year,” he said.
While attending the funeral of Mama Naomi Mukonyo Mulatya at Kalungu sub-location, Kikumbulyu South in Kibwezi West, Mutuse expressed concern that constituencies like Banisa have been without an MP for a year.
“It is very unfair for the people of Banisa and other constituencies and wards to be unrepresented in Parliament and assemblies, especially when important matters like the Budget are being discussed,” he said.
The Kibwezi West MP emphasized the urgent need for the IEBC’s reconstitution.
“The selection panel must be established. We need to resolve the current issues to allow the IEBC to conduct by-elections and prepare for the upcoming General Elections,” he added.
Mutuse reassured Kenyans that they should trust that the next elections will be free, fair, and democratic.
His comments follow a recent survey by Infotrak Research and Consulting, which revealed that many Kenyans are doubtful the IEBC will organize free and fair elections in 2027. According to the survey, 54 percent of respondents expressed skepticism, while only 26 percent were confident in the IEBC’s ability to hold fair elections.
Former IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye completed their terms and left office in January this year. Former vice-chairperson Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, and Justus Nyang’aya resigned after their disagreement over the 2022 presidential election results. Irene Masit was dismissed by President William Ruto after a tribunal recommended her removal for misconduct.
As a result of these ongoing vacancies, three constituencies and several wards have been without representation for two years.
