Urgently reconstitute IEBC

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is grappling with an unprecedented constitutional crisis that has rendered it dysfunctional.

Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi and Justus Nyang'aya resigned while Irene Masit was removed from office after disputing the results of the 2022 presidential election.

Months later, the tenures of chairperson Wafula Chebukati, Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye ended. Since then the commission has been without commissioners.

The delayed reconstitution of this important electoral body is a bad joke. As the Executive keeps chasing misplaced priorities, Kenyans are being disenfranchised as they bear the brunt of poor service delivery or lack of it by the commission.

A keen observer can only interpret this as a well choreographed strategy to achieve dubious political ends.

Functional IEBC

Even after the recommendations by the National Dialogue Committee last year, no action has been taken. This status quo will likely lead the country into chaos and anarchy. The concerned authorities must therefore move to appoint a chair and commissioners with urgency.

As the 2027 General Election draws nigh, Kenyans need an IEBC that is fully functional and not vulnerable to political manipulation. The commission must be well established and empowered to review constituency and ward boundaries in time to avoid a last minute rush.

It must also enhance use of technology for transparency, carry out voter education and put in place an office able to deliver credible elections.

The 2024 Gen Z-led protests and social media unrest are a clear indication that Kenyans have had enough of some of the leaders wand would wish to remove them, a process that requires a functional IEBC.

There are also wards and constituencies that lost their representatives and need to replace them in by-elections. Kenyans expect Parliament and the Executive to sort this matter out fast.

Mr Mwirichia is a high school teacher. [email protected]