Leaders want retired Bishop Wabukala to head IEBC

A section of leaders affiliated with the ruling Jubilee Coalition want retired Anglican Arch Bishop Eliud Wabukala appointed as the head of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The MPs, Ayub Savula (Lugari), Moses Kuria (Gatunda South) and Stephen Kariuki (Mathare) made the remark at Pan Paper grounds in Lugari constituency where they presided over a fundraiser in aid of Mautuma Church of God.

According to the three leaders, IEBC chairman position should be a preserve for a person who commands high respect from all of Kenyans in addition to unquestionable integrity.

“Wabukala earned admirable respect among Kenyans during his tenure as the head of Anglican church,” observed Savula, adding that the retired bishop’s ability to positively criticize the establishment on important national issues makes him the best bet for the said position.

Kuria and Kariuki supported Savula’s sentiments. The two suggested that the elections body should be led by retired but outstanding clerics as its commissioners in order to not only restore Kenyans faith in it, but also for the country to witness peaceful general elections in future.

Cabinet Secretary for Irrigation, Eugene Wamalwa, who was the chief guest, backed the legislators’ sentiments.

The irrigation minister pleaded for a speedy restructuring of IEBC ahead of forthcoming elections and at the same time asked the national government to ensure that all the outgoing commissioners received their pay packages in time.

“I appeal to the national treasury to ensure the body’s outgoing commissioners are paid all their dues in time,” said Wamalwa who the thanked Mr. Isaak Hassan and his team for accepting to vacate office honourably.

The leaders promised Kenyans a credible and peaceful general election in 2017.

They were all optimistic about the newly formed Jubilee Party emerging victorious in the coming presidential and other elective seats countrywide.

The three legislators backed Wamalwa’s bid to capture Nairobi County’s gubernatorial seat in the polls.

“All Kenyans have constitutional rights to vie for electives seats anywhere as long as they meet required conditions,” said Kariuki, the son to Bishop Margaret Kariuki who is also in the race for Nairobi governorship.

Kariuki vowed to retain the Mathare parliamentary seat on a Jubilee Party ticket.

A total of 650, 000 Shillings was raised with Wamalwa and Kuria giving personal donations of 200,000 Shillings each.

Savula gave 50,000 while Kariuki contributed 30,000 Shillings.