By Jabali Media
National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula has called on members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, to expedite the process of nomination and appointment of commissioners.
IEBC has been without the chairperson and commissioners for two years, since former chairman Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye retired in January 2023, after serving for a single 6-year nonrenewable term.
Their retirement was preceded by the resignation of former vice chairperson Juliana Cherera, and commissioners Francis Wanderi, Irene Masit and Justus Nyang’aya, nicknamed ‘the Cherera four.’
Speaking during the opening of the mid-term retreat for Members of the National Assembly in Naivasha, Nakuru County, on Tuesday, Wetang’ula said that a fully constituted commission is critical for ensuring the timely conduct of by-elections, and advancing the vital process of boundary delimitation.
“We have lost valuable time being embroiled in court processes, which has cast doubt on the possibility of revisiting the boundary delimitation process,” said the Speaker.
His sentiments were echoed by leader of the Majority Party Kimani Ichung’wah, noting widespread disquiet over the delays in reconstituting the IEBC.
He emphasized the National Assembly's compliance with the High Court's ruling by enacting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023, which facilitated the formation of the selection panel.
“There are various constituencies that remain unrepresented, leaving citizens disenfranchised for far too long. It’s imperative that these gaps are addressed as a priority,” he added.
The nine-member IEBC commissioners selection panel was gazetted by President William Ruto and sworn in on Monday.
They are Kiome Lindah Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda, and Fatuma Saman.
They are charged with recruiting nominees for the positions of chairperson and members of the IEBC, to preside over the 2027 general elections.