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Clergy proposes audit of 2022 electoral process

Inter-Religious Council of Kenya said it will identify loopholes and weaknesses of process

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by Allan Kisia

News26 September 2023 - 06:47
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In Summary


  • However, the council did not call for an audit of the 2022 presidential results as Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance has been demanding.
  • “The goals of the audit shall include how to cut the cost of conducting elections significantly,” IRCK vice chair F.S Abdallah said.
National dialogue committee talks going on at Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi for talks on September 25, 2023

The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya has called for the establishment of an independent and multi-sectoral task force to audit the 2022 electoral process.

Appearing before the National Dialogue Committee at the Bomas of Kenya, IRCK said the audit would identify loopholes and weaknesses in the electoral process.

However, the council did not call for an audit of the 2022 presidential results as Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance has been demanding.

“The goals of the audit shall include how to cut the cost of conducting elections significantly,” IRCK vice chair F.S Abdallah said.

He said the audit should review the role of election technology, in line with the Supreme Court recommendations.

Abdallah said audits should also be geared towards ensuring corruption is eliminated and campaign spending regulated.

“Operations of the electoral body should be made transparent and independent and processes predictable,” he said.

IRCK was established as a society in 2005, as a coalition of all major faith communities (Christians, Hindus and Muslims).

The council seeks to deepen inter-faith dialogue and collaborations.

Appearing before the committee, the Political Parties Liaison Committee called for an audit of the 2022 presidential election results.

PPLC told the committee the audit will eliminate doubts about the results announced by IEBC.

"It is not too late. We can still do it and put the doubts and arguments to rest," said PPLC national chair Evans Misati.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has also been calling for an audit of the presidential results, insisting that his victory was stolen.

The audit was one of the demands by Raila as he called for nationwide anti-government protests.

IRCK further called for the extension of the period within which the Supreme Court must determine a presidential election petition.

The council proposed an amendment to Article 140 of the Constitution to give the Supreme Court 21 days to determine a petition from the current 14 days.

IRCK further called for the creation of the Office of Leader of Opposition and the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Abdallah said the person emerging second in a presidential contest should stand officially nominated to Parliament by his/her party.

"The Leader of Official Opposition to be the Leader of Minority side in Parliament," he said.

It said the responsibility and authority of the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary to be determined by Parliament.

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