The sealing of the deal on Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by the Kenyan political elite ahead of next elections is a laudable move. This is one of the means to ensure that doubting Thomases and those who have been raising questions about the eligibility of IEBC are affirmed and are rest assured of the legibility of the next polls. In a time and a moment when the political heat wave is by each day gaining momentum, such agreements are sure means to calm the country and save it from post election violence that the country that was plunged into in 2007 general elections.
In addition, connected to this, is the acceptance of IEBC commissioners to leave office after their discussions with the parliamentary committee that was chaired by politicians from both political divides (Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and Jubilee represented by Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi and Siaya Senator James Orengo. Their exit should not be viewed as CORD victory but a move to ensure that we have an electoral body that is trusted by all Kenyans to work in a transparent way come next year’s election.
It was also worth noting that politicians (some so outspoken) shelved their political interests for the sake of this country. It is a move to show true citizenship and a loyalty to our country as we are bracing to realize 2030 vision without any problem. The same leadership, unity and harmony they displayed during the whole period should be experienced in their daily political activities. We don’t want our main stream media to be bombarded by political acrobats. Divisive and partisan politics should be a long gone thing as we approach the election period.
Furthermore the new IEBC commissioners set to be in office by November this year should be vetted thoroughly to ensure that the country has an electoral body that is a representation of the whole country not political affiliations. The body that shall not again be drawn into drama that we experienced as the opposition held demos, calling for the disbandment of the commission, been accusing them of misuse of office and inability to lead this country in yet other general elections. The citizens need a body that shall be in office to serve Kenyans but not to be a darling and dance to the tunes of politicians at the expense of the normal mwananchi.
We have devolution in place although it is at an infancy stage, as we target the 2030 vision that we have to achieve for the betterment of this country. This will only be achieved by having an electoral body that will ensure that competent leaders are elected, right away from Members of County Assembly to the president. As a result the competent elected leaders will manage public resources adequately enabling the country to realize economical potential. With good leadership we will not be waiting for the World Health Organization (WHO) to intervene when a deadly disease strikes or United Nations (UN) when hunger hits our country.