A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members have renewed plans to kick out the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati.
Led by Homa Bay Woman Representative, Gladys Wanga, the members stated the party does not have faith in Chebukati following the nullification of the 2017 presidential election.
The talk to kick out Chebukati was the dominant topic during the burial of Mzee David Ajwang Nyakwamba, father of Ruaraka Member of Parliament TJ Kajwang and Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, that took place on Friday, August 13.
“Chebukati presided over a presidential election that was nullified by the Supreme Court. This the first presidential poll to be overturned in Africa. Chebukati is still at the helm of the electoral agency,” Wanga told the mourners.
“I really fear if Chebukati still heads the polls body. We will consult with MPs and find a solution. We cannot allow this country to be plunged into chaos because of elections not being properly conducted.”
On his part, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi told the IEBC chair to halt all the Election Operation Plans (EOP) until all the other commissioners are sworn in.
“IEBC under Chebukati should stop everything. This includes the hiring of returning officers and the county electoral officers,” he said.
“I want IEBC to wait. They can afford to wait to be fully constituted within two to three weeks. They will then commence the process to recruit a substantive office holder as the CEO currently held by Marjan Hussein Marjan in an acting capacity,” Wandayi added.
His sentiments were echoed by Kisumu Senator, Fred Outa, who argued that IEBC should stop everything until the other commissioners assume office. He further castigated the commission for presenting a ballooned budget.
“Even the budget they sought is illegal until all the other commissioners are sworn in,” he said.
The nominees whose names were forwarded to the National Assembly's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee for vetting include Irene Cherop, Francis Wanderi, Juliana Cherera, and Justus Abonyo.
ODM leader, Raila Odinga, gave the topic a wide berth but assured mourners and Nyanza region that he has devised new means to climb Mt Kenya and eventually clinch the presidency.
