National Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, has called on the newly sworn-in selection panel to fast-track the nomination and appointment of commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Addressing the panel’s critical role, Wetang’ula emphasized that a fully constituted commission is crucial for the timely conduct of upcoming by-elections and the progress of boundary delimitation processes.
The selection panel, consisting of nine members gazetted by President William Ruto and sworn in earlier this week, is tasked with identifying nominees for the positions of IEBC chairperson and commissioners. The panel includes Kiome Lindah Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda, and Fatuma Saman.
Speaker Wetang’ula voiced concerns over the delays in reconstituting the IEBC, largely attributed to prolonged legal battles over the selection panel’s formation. These delays, he noted, have caused significant uncertainty, impeding the commission’s ability to carry out its essential mandate. He further explained that time lost during these legal disputes threatens to derail the important task of boundaries delimitation.
“We have lost valuable time being embroiled in court processes, which has cast doubt on the possibility of revisiting the boundaries delimitation process,” Wetang’ula stated, stressing that a timely solution was vital.
While acknowledging that the Constitution guarantees the current 290 constituencies, Wetang’ula clarified that the IEBC can still undertake demographic-based adjustments, which would involve redistributing populations within existing constituencies rather than creating new ones. He encouraged Members of Parliament to support the IEBC once the new commissioners are appointed, ensuring the efficient delivery of this task.
In a show of solidarity, Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, echoed the Speaker’s concerns. He noted the growing frustration over the delays and emphasized the National Assembly’s role in adhering to the High Court’s ruling, which led to the enactment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023. This act paved the way for the formation of the selection panel.
Hon. Ichung’wah also urged the panel to act swiftly and transparently in identifying individuals of high integrity to lead the IEBC. He highlighted the importance of resolving the gaps in representation, which have left citizens in some constituencies disenfranchised for too long. “It’s imperative that these gaps are addressed as a priority,” he added.
