‘Urgent action must be taken to restore the functionality of the IEBC’ – Senator Omtatah

‘Urgent action must be taken to restore the functionality of the IEBC’ – Senator Omtatah

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Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has referred to as for the pressing reconstitution of a totally practical and well-funded Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In an announcement shared on his X account on Wednesday, January 8, 2024, Omtatah highlighted the vital state of Kenya’s electoral physique, urging the federal government to take fast motion.

Omtatah raised issues over the fee’s incapacity to carry out its mandate as a result of absence of commissioners.

“Fellow Kenyans, let’s stay focused on what truly matters. Let us not be swayed by distractions, infighting, or divisive propaganda. These tactics are designed to keep us divided and blind to the real issues,” Omtatah wrote.

The senator famous the urgency of reconstituting the IEBC, warning that Kenya dangers undermining its democracy if the fee stays non-operational.

He identified that the IEBC secretariat is presently unable to conduct by-elections in three constituencies and 6 county wards as a result of absence of commissioners, which jeopardizes the nation’s electoral framework.

“We are courting disaster by operating without a properly constituted commission. Urgent action must be taken to restore the functionality of the IEBC. The appointment of IEBC commissioners must be prioritized to facilitate vital processes, including the legally required delimitation of electoral boundaries,” Omtatah said.

The senator referred to as on Parliament and the Executive to expedite the legislative course of wanted to implement suggestions from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which supplies a transparent roadmap for the appointment of IEBC commissioners.

“The NADCO report provided a clear roadmap for the appointment of IEBC commissioners, but delays in the legislative process have left this crucial task incomplete. Parliament must finalize the bills required to implement the NADCO recommendations,” he stated.

Omtatah additionally appealed to Kenyans to stay vigilant and be certain that the reconstitution of the IEBC stays a nationwide precedence. He inspired residents to register as voters in preparation for future elections, stressing that electoral integrity is prime to safeguarding democracy.

“With two years left before the next general election, it is imperative that Kenya addresses the gaps in its electoral system to avoid any constitutional crisis. Reconstituting the IEBC is not just about electoral integrity; it’s about preserving the country’s democratic values,” he concluded.

There have been rising issues in regards to the state of Kenya’s electoral system, with two years left earlier than the following normal election.

The electoral fee has been working with no chairperson and commissioners following the mass resignation of the Cherera Four and the retirement of former Chair Wafula Chebukati, alongside commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye.

Democracy in danger

During a regional convention on using synthetic intelligence, digital instruments, and social media in Kenyan elections held on December 3, 2024, Wiper Party chief and opposition determine Kalonzo Musyoka raised comparable issues.

Kalonzo referred to as on political leaders and stakeholders to prioritize the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging them to put aside private agendas for the advantage of the nation. He emphasised the urgency of addressing the challenges going through the electoral physique, cautioning in opposition to extreme repercussions if the matter shouldn’t be resolved promptly.

“I urge those standing in the way of reconstituting IEBC to see the bigger picture. They should set aside their narrow selfish interests in preference to the greater good of the nation,” Kalonzo stated.

He additionally appealed for a fast decision to the continued stalemate, highlighting the necessity for a reputable and clear electoral course of.

In December 2024, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi warned the government urging them to urgently expedite the reconstitution of a functioning IEBC earlier than February 2025.

He famous that failure to try this, residents will take to the streets to protest.

“By the latest February 2025, we must have a fully constituted, well-funded IEBC, a failure to which a massive countrywide protest shall be instituted by citizens. We must protect Kenya’s hegemony as a bastion of democracy within the African continent. Kenya needs a Renaissance!” Amisi declared.