Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has called for the urgent reconstitution of a fully functional and well-funded Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, January 8, 2024, Omtatah highlighted the critical state of Kenya’s electoral body, urging the government to take immediate action.

Omtatah raised concerns over the commission’s inability to perform its mandate due to the absence of commissioners.

“Fellow Kenyans, let’s stay focused on what truly matters. Let us not be swayed by distractions, infighting, or divisive propaganda. These tactics are designed to keep us divided and blind to the real issues,” Omtatah wrote.

The senator noted the urgency of reconstituting the IEBC, warning that Kenya risks undermining its democracy if the commission remains non-operational.

He pointed out that the IEBC secretariat is currently unable to conduct by-elections in three constituencies and six county wards due to the absence of commissioners, which jeopardizes the country’s electoral framework.

“We are courting disaster by operating without a properly constituted commission. Urgent action must be taken to restore the functionality of the IEBC. The appointment of IEBC commissioners must be prioritized to facilitate vital processes, including the legally required delimitation of electoral boundaries,” Omtatah stated.

The senator called on Parliament and the Executive to expedite the legislative process needed to implement recommendations from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which provides a clear roadmap for the appointment of IEBC commissioners.

“The NADCO report provided a clear roadmap for the appointment of IEBC commissioners, but delays in the legislative process have left this crucial task incomplete. Parliament must finalize the bills required to implement the NADCO recommendations,” he said.

Omtatah also appealed to Kenyans to remain vigilant and ensure that the reconstitution of the IEBC remains a national priority. He encouraged citizens to register as voters in preparation for future elections, stressing that electoral integrity is fundamental to safeguarding democracy.

“With two years left before the next general election, it is imperative that Kenya addresses the gaps in its electoral system to avoid any constitutional crisis. Reconstituting the IEBC is not just about electoral integrity; it’s about preserving the country’s democratic values,” he concluded.

There have been growing concerns about the state of Kenya’s electoral system, with two years left before the next general election.

The electoral commission has been operating without a chairperson and commissioners following the mass resignation of the Cherera Four and the retirement of former Chair Wafula Chebukati, alongside commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye.

Democracy at risk

During a regional conference on the use of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and social media in Kenyan elections held on December 3, 2024, Wiper Party leader and opposition figure Kalonzo Musyoka raised similar concerns.

Kalonzo called on political leaders and stakeholders to prioritize the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging them to set aside personal agendas for the benefit of the country. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the challenges facing the electoral body, cautioning against severe repercussions if the matter is not resolved promptly.

“I urge those standing in the way of reconstituting IEBC to see the bigger picture. They should set aside their narrow selfish interests in preference to the greater good of the nation,” Kalonzo said.

He also appealed for a quick resolution to the ongoing stalemate, highlighting the need for a credible and transparent electoral process.

In December 2024, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi warned the government urging them to urgently expedite the reconstitution of a functioning IEBC before February 2025.

He noted that failure to do that, citizens will take to the streets to protest.

“By the latest February 2025, we must have a fully constituted, well-funded IEBC, a failure to which a massive countrywide protest shall be instituted by citizens. We must protect Kenya’s hegemony as a bastion of democracy within the African continent. Kenya needs a Renaissance!” Amisi declared.