President William Ruto's effort to replace Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has hit its first hurdle.
Speaking to the press on Monday, October 24, lawmakers allied to the Azimio la Umoja Coalition argued that the process to replace Chebukati as well as commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye was illegal.
Led by the Leader of the Minority in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi, the coalition demanded that Chebukati and the commissioners proceed on terminal leave to allow for the process to be carried out without interference.
The lawmaker further argued that the team had accumulated enough leave days and promised to review their conduct while in office.
"What could they be doing at Anniversary Towers three months to their retirement yet they have accumulated leave days over the years? What mischief are they playing at Anniversary Towers? Why is it so difficult for Chebukati and his friends to go home yet the Law requires them to go home three months to their exit dates?
"We are still calling upon them, Chebukati, Boya Mulu and Guliye, to proceed on terminal leave without any further delay and anything you are attempting to do at the Anniversary Towers will come to haunt you for sure. What is it that you want to do within these two and a half months that you were unable to do in six years?" stated Wandayi.
His sentiment was corroborated by Pokot South MP David Pkosing who demanded inclusion of all political parties to ensure the choice of the most neutral IEBC chairperson.
He further hinted that the opposition, which is headed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, had not been consulted before the three vacancies were declared.
"We are calling for a transparent and consultative way of recruiting the chair of the electoral commission. The commission is a very fundamental institution that midwifes democracy. An election will be as free as it is managed by the referee. If the referee is free then the election is free.
"We saw information in media that some people have started the process of replacing Chebukati. The leadership in this country must be put together. The leadership of Azimio, Kenya Kwanza and all the other smaller parties must come together to choose the referee," he stated.
Ruto announced the vacancies vide a Gazette notice on Friday, October 21.
Soon after, Chebukati welcomed his decision to replace him roughly three months before his term was scheduled to end on January 18, 2023.
"I wish to welcome the decision to gazette impending vacancies for the positions of IEBC Chairperson and 2 Commissioners which will officially be vacant from January 18, 2023.
"This will ensure smooth transition and retention of institutional memory which has previously not been the case," announced Chebukati.
The chairperson was appointed as the chairperson in December 2016. He was part of the Commission that oversaw the 2017 and 2022 General Elections.
