Bishops pile pressure on IEBC to address all issues raised by parties

Catholic Bishops yesterday called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to address all concerns raised by political parties over the forthcoming polls.

Bishops also cautioned politicians to desist from making pronouncements and utterances that could provoke anxiety among Kenyans and lead to violence.

Under the auspices of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, the clerics observed that the electoral body would only guarantee Kenyans a free, fair and credible election by addressing issues raised over election preparedness.

Addressing a press conference at the Consolata Cathedral Nyeri yesterday, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of the Nyeri Diocese said it is important for IEBC to enhance credibility of next week’s polls by explaining to Kenyans steps they are taking to ensure the polls are free and fair.

National peace

Cleric further noted that the country cannot afford to see a repeat of past electoral malpractices, which threatened national peace and in some instances led to the loss of lives and property.

“IEBC has to do whatever is in its powers to address legitimate concerns knowing that its civic duty is to promote and protect the interests of the voters. It ought to come out openly to clarify any allegations or misrepresentations,” Muheria observed.

At the same time, the bishops cautioned political players against bullying IEBC through public pronouncements and accusations noting that, if not checked, the trend may scuttle efforts by the commission to deliver a clean election.  “We strongly urge political players to address any emerging issues in a manner that does not antagonise the efforts of IEBC  to deliver free, fair, and credible elections,” Archbishop said.