President Uhuru Kenyatta has appointed 4 new IEBC commissioners who were approved by the National Assembly on September 1.
In a gazette notice dated September 1, the Head of State named Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Irene Masit, and Justus Nyang’aya as the new IEBC commissioners.
The 4 appointees will be replacing Roselyn Akombe, Paul Kurgat, Margaret Mwachanya and Connie Maina, who resigned from the commission after the 2017 General Election.
The four commissioners left IEBC on grounds that it lacks proper leadership, hence cannot perform its mandate.
“For far too long and way too many times, the commission chair has failed to be the steady and stable hand that steers the ship in difficult times and gives direction when needed,” the commissioners said in a statement while resigning.
Before the new appointments, the commission only had 3 members. That is Chairman Wafula Chebukati, Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye.
Due to the small number of commissioners in IEBC, the High Court had ruled that it is not properly constituted, hence cannot conduct an election or referendum.
While delivering the judgment on the BBI bill, Justice Francis Tuiyot said the collection of signatures by IEBC was illegal, since the commission did not have enough quorum.
“IEBC was not quorate when it embarked on the business of verifying BBI signatures. The Commission needed to be in the right quorum,
“A drastically reduced membership could lead to the public losing confidence in the ability and neutrality of the Commission,” he ruled.
The court also ruled that IEBC could not conduct the BBI referendum without having all the 7 commissioners on board.
However, the new appointees come on board at a time when the IEBC commissioned is troubled.
There have been calls by members of the ODM party to dismiss IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati.
“I really fear if Chebukati still heads the polls body. We will consult with MPs and find a solution. We cannot allow this country to be plunged into chaos because of polls not properly conducted,” said Homabay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga.
