A section of civil societies has criticized the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel for picking commissioners based on their personalities rather than their competence and skills.
In a meeting that was organized by Linda Katiba and various religious groups, Martha Karua stated that the vetting process by parliament needs to be thorough to ensure that the right candidates fill the positions.
“ We are soon expecting parliament to start vetting the recently nominated commissioners. We expect to see thorough questions being posed. It is high time Kenyans realised that is not just a common job but a tough one that requires people who have charisma,” she stated.
She went on to add: “Parliament should understand that the individuals they are going to vet are people who will preside over a highly anticipated election.”
Karua also opposed moves to eject the current IEBC chairman, Wafula Chebukati. She, however, noted that Linda Katiba will take legal action against the commission if it fails to involve Kenyans in the planning of the 2022 General Election.
“We are going to take you to court if you try to exclude Kenyans from the planning and management of the elections,” she added.
On his part, Brian Muluka stated that civil societies would work to safeguard the country and the electoral body as the country heads to the General Election.
“What we have today is a government of hostages by hostage-takers ...We must revisit this thought, revisit IEBC and public finance”, he stated.
The selection panel, which was led by Dr. Elizabeth Muli, presented President Uhuru Kenyatta with names of successful candidates after they had carried out interviews. The four were picked out of the 36 candidates who were shortlisted for the position.
The four, whose names have been submitted to parliament for vetting and approval include Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Irene Cherop, and Justus Abonyo.
The National Assembly Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs will carry out the vetting process and table the names to the floor of the house for approval.
If approved by parliament, the four will fill the commissioners’ positions that fell vacant after the resignation of some of the commissioners after the 2017 General election.
