Nambale MP urges politicians to respect the independence of the IEBC

Nambale MP Sakwa Bunyasi has urged political leaders to respect the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Bunyasi defended the Chebukati led Commission from external political forces, saying it should be allowed to exercise its legal mandate and role.

Last week, ODM leader Raila Odinga blasted IEBC, who had asked for more money to verify BBI signatures. He said IEBC commissioners and the chairperson Wafula Chebukati should resign, alleging that they had plans to sabotage the BBI process. However, IEBC and the National Treasury ironed out the budget issues ahead of the BBI signatures verification exercise.

IEBC initially proposed a budget of Kshs 241 million, noting that they have to hire data entry clerks, conference facilities, cater for accommodation costs, stationeries among others. The Treasury then called for rationalization of the budget given constrained fiscal space. A new budget was resubmitted, and the disbursement they settled on was Kshs 93,729,800, which the Treasury availed, with the verification process set to proceed.

Speaking in Buyofu, in Busia County, Bunyasia said members of parliament have the right to debate and call for changes to the budget allocation given to IEBC, instead of baseless politicking. His sentiments come after Kiminini MP Dr. Chris Wamalwa and his Kimilili counterpart Didmus Barasa also defended the Commission, and faulted Raila for frustrating Luhyas in leadership position.