The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed it is currently reviewing four petitions seeking the recall of sitting Members of Parliament. Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa on Saturday, IEBC chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the commission is assessing the petitions based on constitutional and legal provisions.
“We currently have roughly four petitions. We will look at them once we go back to the office,” said Ethekon. He emphasized that the right to recall elected leaders is enshrined in Article 104 of the Constitution and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to uphold the rule of law.
“It is the right of every Kenyan to exercise that right of recall under the Constitution, and as IEBC, we will be there to do that which we can or which the law allows us,” he added.
The recall process, grounded in the Elections Act, 2011, provides a legal pathway for the removal of an MP, Senator, or MCA. However, it can only be initiated after two years have elapsed since the leader’s election and not within the final 12 months before the next general election. Valid grounds for recall include violation of leadership and integrity standards, misuse of public funds, or conviction for an electoral offence.
Ethekon assured the public that the IEBC will handle all petitions transparently and in strict adherence to the law. “We will receive those petitions, we will examine them, and then we will, of course, respond to them accordingly,” he said.
In addition to the recall petitions, Ethekon revealed that the commission had moved to the Supreme Court to seek guidance on the long-delayed boundary review exercise. The process has faced significant delays due to the absence of a full commission, which has hindered decision-making.
Ethekon also outlined the Commission’s current priorities, which include enhancing voter registration, pushing for legal reforms and electoral amendments, and preparing for several upcoming by-elections across the country.
The developments signal a busy and crucial period for the IEBC as it works to strengthen democratic processes and restore public confidence in electoral institutions.
