Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has recently raised concerns about the process of appointing new members to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a letter addressed to President Ruto, Kalonzo referenced the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), noting the need for political consensus in the appointment of IEBC commissioners.
The NADCO report emphasized bipartisan agreement in rebuilding public trust in the electoral body.
Kalonzo writes a letter to President Ruto over IEBC appointment. Photo: Courtesy.
“This letter concerns itself with recommendations arising out of the NADCO report; these cover the all-important concerns relating to IEBC reforms and political party discipline. Paragraph 861 of the report provides that in order to build confidence in the IEBC, it was important that the leaders of the two coalitions provide a window of consultations and concurrence, and the recommendation at paragraph 862 is that Kenya Kwanza Alliance and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, enter into consultation and concurrence before the President exercises the power of appointment of the Chairperson and members of the IEBC,” the letter read.
Kalonzo went on to argue that the political landscape has shifted since the NADCO agreement, with ODM leader Raila Odinga now cooperating with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
As a result, Kalonzo noted that the opposition is now represented by the Wiper Democratic Movement and the Democratic Action Party (DAP-K).
He named himself and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa as the rightful representatives of the minority side in any consultations related to IEBC appointments.
Kalonzo further called for the public release of an exit report by the selection panel, which he said would aid in the required consultations before appointments are made.
