‘We must have a fully constituted IEBC by February 2025″ MP Caleb Amisi
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has cautioned the government, urging the establishment of a properly financed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by February 2025 to prevent countrywide demonstrations.
In a post shared on his X account on Friday, December 6, 2024, Amisi emphasized the importance of a fully operational IEBC to maintain Kenya’s democratic integrity. He warned that people would protest if the government did not respond quickly.
“By February 2025 at the latest, we need to have a fully established, adequately funded IEBC; otherwise, citizens will initiate a nationwide protest.” We need to defend Kenya’s dominance as a stronghold of democracy in Africa. “Kenya requires a revival!” Amisi announced.
The electoral commission has been functioning without a chairperson and commissioners after the large-scale resignation of the Cherera Four and the retirement of ex-Chair Wafula Chebukati, along with commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye.
Amisi’s call arrives alongside increasing worries regarding the condition of Kenya’s electoral system, as there are just under three years remaining before the upcoming general election.
Opposition and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka conveyed comparable worries during a regional conference regarding the application of AI, digital, and social media in Kenya’s elections, which took place on December 3, 2024.
Kalonzo called on political leaders and stakeholders to make the reconstitution of the IEBC a priority, putting aside personal interests for the benefit of the country. He emphasized the importance of acting quickly to tackle the electoral body’s difficulties, cautioning that severe repercussions could follow if the matter is not addressed.
“I encourage those obstructing the reformation of IEBC to consider the larger perspective.” Kalonzo remarked that they need to prioritize the broader benefit of the country over their limited self-interests.
Opposition and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also expressed similar concerns during a regional conference on the use of AI, digital, and social media in elections in Kenya held on December 3, 2024.
Kalonzo urged political leaders and stakeholders to prioritize the reconstitution of the IEBC, setting aside personal interests for the greater good of the nation. He highlighted the need for urgency in addressing the electoral body’s challenges, warning of dire consequences if the issue remains unresolved.
“I urge those standing in the way of reconstituting IEBC to see the bigger picture. They should set aside their narrow selfish interests in preference to the greater good of the nation,” Kalonzo stated.
He further appealed for a swift resolution to the impasse, stressing the importance of a credible electoral process.
“Please allow us to reconstitute IEBC as soon as possible,” he said
Resigned United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman warned that Kenya’s democracy was at risk due to lack of a functioning electoral system.
Speaking in October during a meeting, IEBC Commission Secretary and CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, the former ambassador called for urgent measures to stabilize the institution.
“IEBC Kenya’s ability to support democracy in Kenya is at risk without the recruitment of commissioners or parliamentary action to provide IEBC funding for voter registration, by-elections, and other election activities,” she stated.
