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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua added his voice on Sunday, December 8, 2024, regarding the failure to appoint the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners.

Speaking in Kasarani, where he attended a church service, Gachagua noted that Kenyans can read mischief in the delayed constitution of IEBC.

While defending his sentiments, Gachagua referenced Kriegler’s report, which he argued demanded the full constitution of the electoral body three years before the polls.

Gachagua observed that the continued delay in constituting the body raises a red flag on the process’s credibility.

“An election is as credible as the process. Kriegler’s report said that an election commission must be in place three years before elections. Now we have two and a half years to go and we do not have a fully constituted IEBC. People can read mischief on why IEBC is not fully constituted,” he stated.

Demand to government

While explaining the essence of having the electoral body in place, Gachagua pressured the government to push for the constitution of IEBC with the urgency it deserves.

The former Deputy President emphasised that the IEBC matter must be prioritised going forward to help the commissioners prepare to conduct the 2027 polls.

“We are calling for the constitution of IEBC urgently as of yesterday so that they can start preparing for elections so that the process can be as credible as the expected outcome,” Gachagua reiterated.

“When Kenyans demand that, they have not done anything wrong; that is their right,” the former DP added.

Lenaola’s remarks

His sentiments come a few days after Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola kicked the storm by demanding the full constitution of IEBC.

Speaking at the Regional Conference on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital, and social media in elections in Kenya, Lenaola stated he does not understand how Members of Parliament can continue to pass laws on other subjects while ignoring the most important one.

Lenaola thus challenged the netizens to start the hashtag #AppointIEBCNow.

“I am one of those judges who are not limited in expressing my mind. I speak my mind. Mtanipeleka wapi? Si Manyata ni hapa Samburu. I don’t understand why we are busy passing legislation very quickly on other subjects that are politically important, but we don’t look at what is extremely important for this country.

“For example, the Electoral Commission—how can a country like ours stand on her feet if we do not have an electoral commission? Elections are in 2027; this is 2024. When will this commission be prepared?” he posed.

“But why don’t we use social media to impact legislation? Why don’t we have a hashtag, ‘Appoint IEBC Now,’ and spread it? Those who have an opportunity will follow it,” he added.