Ruto & Raila Team Seal IEBC Changes Deal
The bipartisan teams of negotiators appointed by the Azimio La Umoja and Kenya Kwanza coalitions to resolve the recent political impasse that shook the country have reached a consensus on the future of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The team, co-chaired by former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wa, has consented to allow the IEBC Selection Panel to continue its work unimpeded while other pending issues are still being negotiated.
The agreement will permit the nation to proceed forward without tension. However, the amnesty period will not prevent the bipartisan team from discussing the country’s outstanding electoral justice issues, as this is the most divisive issue.
“On the issue of halting the IEBC selection panel’s work, we are not writing to them to do so. We are providing them with legal notice of the activities of this National Dialogue team, as stated by the Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah.
“As a result, even as they advance their work, they recognize that it relates to the issues we are addressing. When we commence to engage stakeholders, I am confident that we will speak with these parties.”
As the negotiations progress, the seven-member commission responsible for recruiting the Chairperson and six Commissioners of the IEBC may also hear from them, according to Kalonzo Musyoka of Azimio.
ALSO READ: Constitution Clash: Azimio vs. Kenya Kwanza
The Wiper Leader explained that his coalition, Azimio, disregards the IEBC, which they have consistently accused of electoral injustice; consequently, its reconstitution cannot be removed from the list of contentious issues for discussion.
Ichung’wah and Kalonzo concurred, “We must approach these negotiations in good faith, which is why we have allowed the Selection Panel to continue with its mandate.”
On March 6, President William Ruto appointed the panel, which was subsequently confirmed by the National Assembly.
The current IEBC Selection Panel consists of Chairman Nelson Makanda and Vice Chairman Charity Kisotu.
Bethuel Sugut, Novince Euralia Atieno, Evans Misati James, Benson Ngugi Njeri, and Fatuma Saman are also members of the Selection Panel.
By the requirements of the law, the commission advertised the positions of Chairperson and Commissioners in national newspapers.
The shortlisted candidates must then undergo interviews and exams before their names are sent to President William Ruto for consideration.
Ruto & Raila Team Seal IEBC Changes Deal