Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has shed light on the delays in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement dated Friday, November 15, Mwaura attributed the delay to changes in the selection panel’s composition. He explained that Azimio la Umoja replaced its nominee to the panel, which resulted in legal action that prevented Parliament from submitting the list of nominees to President William Ruto.
“The reconstitution of the IEBC has been stalled due to Azimio la Umoja Coalition’s decision to replace Augustine Muli with Koki Muli, which led to a tribunal order restraining Parliament from forwarding the nominees to His Excellency the President for appointment,” the statement read in part.
The government assured that the Head of State would appoint the selection panel once Parliament submits the nominees for approval.
Currently, IEBC operations are managed by the secretariat, following the departure of four commissioners, known as the “Cherera 4,” after disputes over the 2022 election results.
Without commissioners, the IEBC is unable to legally perform core functions, such as conducting elections, referendums, and by-elections.
“The government remains committed to having a fully functional electoral body to ensure that the IEBC fulfills its mandate, including overseeing pending by-elections,” Mwaura added. “The President is ready and willing to appoint the selection panel once Parliament submits the nominees.”
