Wetangula wants CJ Koome to hasten resolution of cases challenging IEBC reconstitution

The continued delay in the recruitment process for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners is causing concerns with a number of constituencies and wards remaining with representatives.

Although the IEBC secretariat is fully constituted, it cannot make key decisions that facilitate the supervision of elections.

The situation has been made worse by numerous court cases challenging the process, hurdles National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula wants to be removed.

“I want to appeal to the chief justice that all the cases in court legitimately challenging this process to be fast-tracked,” Wetangula says.

Speaking during a Sunday service at the Chebukwa Catholic Church in the Kabuchai Constituency in Bungoma County, Wetangula voiced concerns about the lack of representation in various constituencies and wards, many of which remain vacant.

“We have many wards and constituencies that need to have by-election…Without commissioners, we cannot move,” he said.

Banisa Constituency, for instance, has been without a member of parliament for months.

A by-election is also to be held in Ugunja after President Ruto appointed area MP Opiyo Wandayi to the Cabinet as Energy Cabinet Secretary.

Civil society groups under the Uchaguzi platform say continued delays in the appointment of the commission will deny Kenyans their right to representation.

Although President William Ruto signed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Amendment Bill, 2024 into law on July 9, 2024, enabling the formation of the selection panel to recruit new commissioners, the process has stalled owing to delays in the court process.