‘Reconstitute IEBC!’ – Archbishop Ole Sapit Presses Ruto
Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya has joined the opposition in expressing alarm about the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) reconstruction, which has taken more than two years.
Speaking following a church service on Sunday, the archbishop cautioned that if the matter is not resolved soon, the country risks jeopardising the forthcoming General Election.
“We will need an IEBC that is completely prepared to handle the elections in good time for procurement purposes and make sure that we run an election by a team that has been trained well enough and in good time to be able to manage that process,” Archbishop Sapit observed.
The archbishop stated that many Kenyans, particularly new voters, must be registered to enjoy their constitutional right to vote in the 2027 elections.
“IEBC needs time to clean up the register. They need time to ensure unregistered Kenyans especially among the youth are registered,” he explained highlighting the urgent need to appoint commissioners to serve in the electoral body.
The absence of IEBC is a violation of the rights of Kenyans – Jackson Ole sapit pic.twitter.com/epk9hpNQgf
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) December 9, 2024
The Anglican church leader stated that the existing state of affairs at IEBC constitutes a breach of voters’ rights and should be addressed immediately.
“Having an absence of IEBC is a violation of the rights of Kenyans. Let us put the best interest of the country before our own and when we do that then Kenya will be a good place for all of us,” he appealed.
Separately, opposition leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka accused President William Ruto of using delay tactics to form the electoral body.
Kalonzo denied being to blame for a court battle that has stalled the reconstruction of IEBC commissioners, claiming his staff followed proper guidelines and the delays were state-sponsored.
However, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended the administration on Sunday, pointing out that the lack of a functional IEBC was caused by a court injunction that prevented the Commission’s restoration.
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The DP asked the parties involved in the litigation for the reconstruction of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to find an out-of-court solution to expedite the process.
“I have seen some people blaming the government. This is a country governed by law. When there is an injunction, the government is not able to do anything,” the DP lamented.
The government has come under increasing pressure to reconstitute the IEBC commission due to numerous quotas.
The Political Parties Liaison Committee selected National Liberal Party leader Augustus Kyalo Muli as the Azimio representative on the IEBC selection panel in August, which pleased the Azimio coalition, which had hoped for Wiper’s Koki Muli to be included.
‘Reconstitute IEBC!’ – Archbishop Ole Sapit Presses Ruto
