MP Mutuse: Let's all support IEBC reconstitution

The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly has called on leaders across the political to support the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Vice-chair Mwengi Mutuse said leaders should not erect barriers and then blame the government for any delays in naming a new team.

“We want to tell those playing the games to declare their intentions. From where we stand as a committee, we wanted IEBC to be in place last year,” he stated.

Speaking at the funeral of Mama Naomi Mukonyo Mulatya at Kalungu sub-location, Kikumbulyu South in Kibwezi West, Mutuse regretted that constituencies like Banisa have not had an MP for a year.

“It is very unfair for the people of Banisa and other constituencies and wards not to be represented in Parliament and assemblies when the Budget and other matters of importance are being discussed,” he stated.

The Kibwezi West MP said the IEBC must be reconstituted without further ado.

“The selection panel must be in place. We need to clear the cases to pave the way for an IEBC to carry out the by-elections and prepare for the next General Elections,” he added.

Mutuse further stated that Kenyans should have confidence that the next elections will be free fair and democratic.

The MP’s remarks come hot on the heels of a survey released by Infotrak Research and Consulting on Monday showing a majority of Kenyans are doubtful the IEBC will conduct free and fair elections in 2027.

It said 54 per cent of respondents were sceptical that the electoral body would conduct the polls in a free and fair manner.

“Only 26 per cent of the surveyed respondents expressed confidence in the IEBC to conduct free and fair elections in 2027,” Infotrak said.

It added that 21 per cent of the respondents said they were unsure whether the IEBC would live up to its mandate.

Former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye, left the office in January this year, after the expiry of their term.

Former vice chairperson Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, and Justus Nyang’aya resigned from office following their stand on the 2022 presidential election results.

 Irene Masit was fired by President William Ruto after a tribunal recommended her removal for gross misconduct.

As a result of the prolonged vacancies, three constituencies and a number of wards have remained without representatives for two years now.