Delay in Banissa By-Election Sparks Protests and Accusations Against Raila Odinga
Residents of Banissa constituency in Garissa County gathered for a protest on Sunday, blaming Opposition Leader Raila Odinga for the year-long delay in holding a by-election following the death of their MP, Kullow Maalim Hassan, in March 2023.
During the press conference, protesters expressed frustration that their region has been without representation for over a year, citing disputes between the government and opposition regarding the composition of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) leadership as the reason for the delay.
They emphasized their expectation for a by-election within 90 days of the seat becoming vacant, as stipulated by law, lamenting that the incomplete constitution of the IEBC prevented this from happening.
“The denial of our constitutional right to representation in the National Assembly has been a continuing disappointment for us,” one protester stated.
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However, three months ago, hopes were briefly raised when a High Court ruling ordered the selection panel to appoint new IEBC commissioners and a chairperson, enabling them to conduct the much-awaited by-election in Banissa Constituency.
The protesters squarely blamed Odinga for prolonging their ordeal, accusing him of obstructing the implementation of the court’s decision.
“After months of delays, the High Court cleared the way for hiring the IEBC chairperson and commissioners, but the former Prime Minister vehemently opposed the ruling,” one protester angrily pointed out.
“He dismissed the court’s decision and insisted on conditions unrelated to existing laws, which was a setback for Banissa and Garissa residents,” another protester added.
“For us in Banissa, anyone blocking our right to representation is an enemy who lacks goodwill for our people and our nation,” he concluded.
Currently, the IEBC panel remains incomplete following the departure of Chairperson Wafula Chebukati and several commissioners, and the recruitment process is ongoing.
Maalim tragically passed away in a hit-and-run incident in Nairobi.
Delay in Banissa By-Election Sparks Protests and Accusations Against Raila Odinga
