IEBC commissioners strike exit deal with Gov’t

The Government has finally entered a deal with Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners for their exit from office.

The Government’s Technical Negotiating Committee has been meeting the nine IEBC commissioners since Friday morning to ensure a smooth transition and dignified exit of the poll body officials.

In a statement by IEBC Chairman Isaack Hassan, he confirmed that the Commissioners of the IEBC have held fruitful negotiations with the Government negotiating team.

“I wish to concur that we have consensus on our terms for a dignified vacation from office. As indicated by the Head of Public Service and Chief of staff Mr. Kinyua, the negotiations have been undertaken in good faith, and we are in agreement with the final position adopted today. The Commissioners and I wish to express our gratitude to the Government, the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee, both Houses of Parliament and the people of Kenya for the opportunity to serve the Republic over the last 5 years, and for the facilitation of this transition. We reiterate our position that the current commissioners are not a stumbling block in the preparation of the next General Election. The speedy outcome of these negotiations is an attestation to this commitment,” stated Hassan in the statement.

According to Kinyua, the commissioners will, however, leave office upon swearing in of new commissioners to avoid a vacuum, something that Hassan agreed with.

“The commissioners have given their commitment to leave office in accordance with the law and as agreed with the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee. We call upon the expedited process of recruitment of new commissioners in order to forestall an extended period of notice, and to further ensure that the public expectation and parliamentary intent is fulfilled without undue delay,” stated the IEBC chairman.