Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has sounded the alarm over continued delays in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that the setbacks could gravely impact Kenya’s democratic processes.
Speaking in Malava, Kakamega County, Mudavadi criticised unnamed political actors for using the courts to frustrate the reconstitution process, accusing them of harbouring malicious intent. He emphasised the need for a fully functional electoral body to oversee critical activities such as by-elections, boundary reviews, and voter registration, all of which are vital ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“We are our own enemies at times when we push such serious agenda so far,” Mudavadi lamented, highlighting the political wrangling that has stalled progress.
His remarks came just days after the High Court halted the vetting of nominees for the position of IEBC Chairperson and commissioners, citing alleged legal missteps in the selection process by the President and the panel involved.
However, Mudavadi defended the transparency of the process, stating that interviews were conducted publicly and broadcast live, allowing Kenyans to witness firsthand the performance of the candidates.
“The individuals seeking these positions were interviewed in broad daylight. Kenyans watched the proceedings live on TV. They can judge who performed well and who did not,” he said, urging for faith in the institutions mandated to manage the vetting.
He further noted that Parliament had invited the public to submit any material that could disqualify any nominee, asserting that the legislature was prepared to act on credible information.
Mudavadi also expressed concern for the growing number of constituencies and wards that have remained without elected representation due to the IEBC’s vacancy. He warned that these delays are denying citizens in those areas their constitutional right to representation and timely by-elections.
“This is a disservice to those Kenyans who need to exercise their democratic right by electing new representatives,” he concluded, calling for urgent, collective action to restore the electoral commission’s full functionality.
