As pressure mounts on the government to reconstitute the electoral body less than three years before the general election, significant challenges have emerged, slowing down the process.
On Saturday, a social media campaign using the hashtag #appointiebcnow was launched by concerned Kenyans urging the government to expedite the formation of a new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Hundreds of citizens voiced their frustration over what they see as deliberate delays by the Kenya Kwanza government in establishing a functioning IEBC.
However, the reconstitution process has been stalled by two ongoing court cases, and it may take until January before any progress is made.
In August, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) issued an interim order preventing President William Ruto from appointing a panel to select the new IEBC commissioners.
This order followed a legal dispute involving Augustus Kyalo Muli of the National Labour Party, who challenged Azimio la Umoja’s attempt to remove him from the list of nominees presented by political parties.
Muli maintains he was duly elected in July, despite opposition from Ambassador Koki Muli, who was strongly supported by Kalonzo Musyoka.
Additionally, a petition filed by Boniface Njogu at the Kiambu High Court in October raised concerns over the lack of representation of persons living with disabilities in the IEBC selection panel.
The Kiambu High Court, under Judge Dora Chepkwony, issued conservatory orders halting the panel selection process until the matter is fully heard.
The case is scheduled for determination on January 25, 2025.
With these court cases pending, Kenya faces the looming threat of an electoral crisis.
The country has been without a functional electoral agency for nearly two years since the previous commission vacated its role.
One critical function that has been delayed is the delimitation of electoral boundaries, which should have occurred in 2024.
Moreover, three constituencies Banisa, Ugunja, and Magarini currently lack representation in Parliament.
This situation has left the constituencies without a voice in the legislative process and hindered their development due to the absence of parliamentary representation.
Syrian Rebels Say President Assad Has Fled As They Declare They Have Captured Capital Damascus
