Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday, April 2, denied claims by Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa of alleged interference with the current Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection process.
Through a statement by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Wednesday, April 2, Raila rebuffed claims by his former running mate, who suggested the current process was unconstitutional.
On Tuesday, Kalonzo, alongside DAP-Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, and PLP Party Leader Martha Karua, were adamant that since Raila signed an MoU with President William Ruto, he could no longer be considered part of the opposition.
The Wiper Party leader further claimed the fundamental principles on which the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) was built had been compromised.
In a rejoinder, however, Raila, through Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, dismissed the allegations, accusing Kalonzo of trying to derail a legitimate process.
ODM further denied claims that there was no one from 'opposition' involved in the selection process, citing Kalonzo's ally Koki Muli, who was selected to be part of the nine-member selection panel in January.
"We view the accusation as an attempt to discredit the outcome of the entire process. Kenyans have waited for an IEBC and we will not tolerate attempts to derail the process," Sifuna said.
Sifuna further highlighted the delays in the commencement of the IEBC commissioners' recruitment process were largely due to a court case instigated by Kalonzo and his allies. According to the Secretary-General, the nomination of a Wiper representative to the selection panel was fully backed by ODM.
He added: "We are confident that the men and women to represent the various organisations, including the minority party which ODM is part of will do their best in the interest of the country and in accordance with their oath of office."
Last week, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel conducted interviews for 11 candidates seeking to become the commission's new chairperson.
But Kalonzo on Monday said the "principle of consultation and concurrence" would apply once the selection process was complete, and his team was ready to move to court.
“We are watching very closely. We are not sleeping on this matter. It is an issue that concerns all Kenyans and cannot be controlled by one side alone. If that happens, both Kenyans and the world will see that this is William Ruto’s Commission, and we cannot allow that," the Wiper Party leader warned.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has approved a two-week extension for the recruitment of persons for appointment as the chairperson and members of the IEBC.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed - a staunch ally of Raila- moved the motion on Wednesday, April 2, highlighting the importance of allowing the IEBC selection panel adequate time to conduct a thorough vetting process.
