Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairman Wafula Chebukati’s term came to an end with a strong message that he had done the best within his powers to execute the agency’s constitutional mandate.

The chairman of another independent office, Archbishop Eliud Wabukala of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission also exited upon the expiry of his tenure.

History, no doubt, will be the judge of their legacies. Their respective tours of duty are a reminder of the place of independent offices in the architecture of Kenya’s democracy.  Article 1 of the Constitution declares that all sovereign power belongs to the people. That power is, however, delegated to Parliament, the Executive, Judiciary and independent commissions and offices. That is why they are shielded under Chapter 15 of the Constitution, which empowers them to protect the sovereignty of the people, promote democracy and constitutionalism.  It is against this high threshold that the tenures of both Chebukati and Wabukala ought to be measured.

Despite the robust protections, the political elite has not always demonstrated faith in building and strengthening of independent institutions, especially when their decisions stand in the way of expediency and their interests, hence the need for vigilant checks and balances. 

The electoral and anti-corruption commissions have been particular targets. While the conduct and probity of individuals in the commissions continue to be the subject of polarising debate, it must be emphasised that Kenyans must protect and improve these institutions, particularly the IEBC in which Kenya has staked its peace and prosperity.  Particular attention should be focused on recommendations by IEBC after evaluation of its conduct of the last General Election to ensure smooth management of polls in future and to give the incoming team a firm foundation on which to build on electoral processes and strengthen our democracy.

According to IEBC, commissioners and other critical staff should be appointed at least two years before an election. Then there is the perennial push and pull over release of funds often blamed for poor preparations and timely acquisition of election materials. These issues must be addressed in good time to strengthen electoral processes going forward.