Senior Economic Advisor Moses Kuria has advised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel to begin advertising the commissioner positions immediately.
Kuria, in a brief statement on Saturday, December 7, concurred with Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lonaona, who questioned how the country could operate without the IEBC Commissioners in place.
While acknowledging Justice Lenaola’s sentiments, Kuria urged the IEBC selection panel to commence the recruitment process by Friday, December 13.
According to the government advisor, the delays in the appointment of the IEBC Commissioners pose a huge threat to the country.
“I urge the other members to meet on Monday and kick off the process of advertising for IEBC Commissioners by Friday, December 13. We are living dangerously without an electoral body,” Kuria said.
He went ahead to take a swipe at Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for criticising President William Ruto’s administration over alleged interference with the process of constituting the electoral body.
Kuria stated that the selection of the commissioners would continue without the participation of Kalonzo’s party. According to him, there were adequate members to begin the process of constituting the electoral body.
“Even without the Wiper Party representative at the IEBC selection panel, I agree with Justice Lenaola. The Panel is Quorate,” Kuria stated.
On Friday, December 6, Justice Isaac Lenaola criticised the government and the opposition leaders for failing to appoint the IEBC Commissioners hardly two years into the 2027 general elections.
Lenaola, who spoke during the Regional Conference on the use of artificial intelligence, also hit out at members of Parliament for ignoring the constitution of the electoral body while passing other laws.
The Supreme Court judge further questioned the duration the commissioners would have to prepare for the next general elections, adding that such issues must not hold the country hostage.
"For example, with the electoral commission, how can a country like ours stand on its feet if we do not have an electoral commission? Elections are in 2027, and we are in 2024. When will this commission be prepared?" Lenaonal argued.
