National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for swift reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to forestall further delays in the execution of commission's mandate.
Wetang’ula emphasised the urgency of addressing the IEBC issue as there were many pending commission activities which had stalled due to lack of commissioners.
"We cannot afford further delays on boundary reviews or pending by-elections in our wards and constituencies. I urge those obstructing this process to reconsider their stance and allow the country to move forward,” he stated.
The speaker spoke while attending Sunday service at Chebukwa Catholic Church in Bungoma county.
He was accompanied by several MCAs led by leader of majority in Bungoma County Assembly, Juma Nyongesa among other leaders.
While addressing the congregation, Wetang’ula also called on the Chief Justice to expedite court cases concerning the IEBC, stressing the need for prompt resolution to avoid further disruptions to the electoral process.
MPs went on long recess from Friday, August 16, to Monday, September 9, 2024. The House will resume sittings on Tuesday, September 17.
"One of our priorities after the resumption will be the reconstitution of the IEBC, a matter crucial for the country’s progress. I appeal to the Chief Justice to expedite the court cases related to this issue.," Wetang'ula said.
The speaker took the opportunity and highlighted the importance of consolidating education funds, a move he believes would lead to the introduction of free education right from primary school to university.
“If we consolidate our bursaries and funds, we can be able to give free education from primary to university,” he explained, reiterating Parliament’s commitment to addressing the issue.
Wetang’ula closed his remarks by underscoring the need for decisive action, saying, “The work is cut out for us, and we must act now to secure Kenya’s future.”
The speaker’s call comes at a critical time when Parliament is gearing up to tackle several key national issues, with the reconstitution of the IEBC expected to be a priority agenda.
On July 9, President William Ruto signed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 into law, setting the stage for the reconstitution of the polls agency that has been operating without commissioners.
The signing into law of the Bill paved the way for the appointment of the selection panel that will be tasked with recruiting new commissioners.
If all factors remain constant, it was expected that the team would have put in place a new electoral body by October 28 or latest, November 4.
