National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon.. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula has raised worries that the ongoing delay within the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ought to critically derail critical electoral strategies, leader amongst them, the long-awaited boundary delimitation exercise.
Speaking in the course of a mid-time period retreat for Members of Parliament in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Speaker Wetang’ula emphasised that whilst the IEBC’s absence has already hindered well-timed through-elections in constituencies and wards with vacant seats, it also jeopardises the possibility of making new constituencies.
He mentioned that the Constitution presently stipulates 290 constituencies, and due to time constraints resulting from the IEBC impasse, there’s little hope for expanding that range inside the near future.
“The delay in reconstituting the IEBC has no longer most effectively stalled crucial by-elections; however, it has also crippled the boundary delimitation technique—a critical thing of our electoral framework,” said Wetang’ula. “Much time has been lost because of prolonged courtroom battles, and whilst we anticipate the appointment of latest commissioners, it stays uncertain whether or not there can be enough time to adopt boundary reviews.”
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula raises concern that delays at IEBC.
Despite the setbacks, he stated that demographic reconfigurations within the present constituencies can also be possible, allowing the IEBC to modify limitations based on populace shifts without changing the overall range of constituencies.
“These demographic-based modifications are the most effective and sensible modifications possible at this time. The law does now not allow for a boom inside the range of constituencies, but redistributions can nonetheless be made within the set limits,” he said, calling on lawmakers to guide the IEBC once it is reconstituted.
Wetang’ula underlined the significance of a totally functional electoral body, noting that its function is imperative to keeping honest illustration, accurate voter distribution, and the credibility of elections in Kenya.
Kenya’s Constitution, under Article 89, mandates 290 constituencies for electing Members of the National Assembly. Article ninety seven (1)(a) and (b) affirms this shape, including 47 girls representatives elected from every county. Furthermore, Article 89 requires the IEBC to review constituency and ward limitations every eight to twelve years, with the stipulation that any assessment has to be finished at least three hundred and sixty-five days earlier than a preferred election.
The Speaker recommended that delays in reconstituting the Commission directly impact through-elections in the 11 electoral areas presently with out parliamentary or ward representation—a number of which have resulted from the deaths of sitting MCAs and the elevation of MPs to Cabinet roles.
He advised the IEBC selection panel to move with pace in appointing the following commissioners. The 9-member panel, gazetted with the aid of President William Ruto and sworn in in advance this week, is now tasked with nominating applicants for IEBC chairperson and commissioner positions.
Panel members consist of Kiome Lindah Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda, and Fatuma Saman.
Speaker Wetang’ula emphasized that groups currently lacking elected representation are liable to being politically marginalized. “We can not come up with the money for to disenfranchise Kenyans to any extent further,” he careworn. “Reconstituting the IEBC is a matter of urgency if we are to shield the right of all residents to be represented in both Parliament and County Assemblies.”
Echoing those worries, Leader of Majority Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah highlighted the public’s developing frustration over the prolonged IEBC vacancy. He cited that Parliament had complied with a High Court directive via passing the IEBC (Amendment) Act, 2023, thereby facilitating the formation of the selection panel.
Now that the panel is operational, Ichung’wah called for fast and transparent recruitment of commissioners with integrity and competence. “Too many citizens stay unrepresented,” he said. “We ought to fill those gaps urgently to uphold the democratic values enshrined in our Constitution.”
