The bipartisan talk teams appointed by the Azimia La Umoja and Kenya Kwanza coalitions to end the political impasse that rocked the country recently have agreed on the way forward over the future of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Co-chaired by former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung'wa, the team agreed to let the IEBC Selection Panel continue its work without interference as the negotiations on other pending issues continue.
The agreement will allow the country to move on without tension. However, the grace period will not prohibit the bipartisan team from discussing the pending issues on electoral justice in the country, as the matter is considered the most divisive.
"On the question of stopping the IEBC selection panel, we are not writing to them to stop them from working. We are sending them a judicial notice of the ongoings of this National Dialogue team," Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah stated.
"Therefore even as they progress their work, they take note that it is part of the issues we are engaging on. I am sure when we begin to engage stakeholders, those are among stakeholders most likely we shall talk to."
Azimio's Kalonzo Musyoka noted that the seven-member panel that is responsible for recruiting the Chairperson and six Commissioners of IEBC may also hear from them as the talks progress.
The Wiper Leader explained that his Azimio coalition disregards the IEBC, which they have constantly accused of electoral injustice; thus, its reconstitution cannot be expunged from the contentious issues for discussion.
"We have to approach these negotiations with good faith, and that is why we have allowed the Selection Panel to continue with its mandate," Kalonzo concurred with Ichung'wah.
The panel was appointed by President William Ruto on March 6 and later confirmed by the National Assembly.
The current IEBC Selection Panel comprises Nelson Makanda (Chairperson) and Charity Kisotu as Vice Chairperson.
Other members of the Selection Panel include Bethuel Sugut, Novince Euralia Atieno, Evans Misati James, Benson Ngugi Njeri and Fatuma Saman.
As required by the Law, the panel advertised the positions of Chairperson and Commissioners in the national dailies.
The shortlisted candidates are then required to undergo interviews and tests before the names are forwarded to President William Ruto for appointment.
