Failure to appoint IEBC commissioners is in bad faith, former DP Gachagua tell government
The former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has waded into the debate over delayed failure by government to appoint commissioners to the electoral body barely two years to the next General Elections.
Speaking in Kasarani today while attending a church service at the Mwiki Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Gachagua did not mince his word telling his former boss president William Ruto’s led Kenya Kwanza administration that Kenyans can read mischief in the delayed constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“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.” Gachagua remarked.
Speaking separately, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also slammed president Ruto and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula for ‘tactically delaying’ the constitution of IEBC.
Kalonzo claimed that the government, through proxies, moved to court to block Azimio’s candidate Koki Muli from being part of the panel supposed to reconstitute IEBC.
The lack of IEBC has not only raised concerns from elected leaders, but also members of the Judiciary.
Supreme Court judge Isaac Lenaola recently criticised the government and the opposition for failure to appoint commissioners.
“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?” Lenaola 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.” Justice Lenaola added.
“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?” Lenaola posed.
Gachagua called on leaders elected through a popular vote to respect the people who elected them and stop looking down upon them when they ask for accountability.
The second DP said that leaders have become arrogant and hostile towards the people who elected them and are no longer listening to their grievances.
While in Mwiki’s Kasarani today, Gachagua continued his onslaught against the establishment and told government officials to listen and act as they are expected by the people and should not impose projects that are not popular with the people because that was not part of the Kenya Kwanza manifesto during the campaigns.
“Leaders must listen to the people, act as expected, and remain accountable. Ignoring their grievances is not only disrespectful but goes against the mandate given by the voters…When Kenyans ask questions, why do you get angry? Why do you get angry when your boss tells you something is not right? They have not done anything wrong. That is their right.” Gachagua noted.
In the fight against illicit brew, Gachagua has protested the government’s inability to manage the war on illicit brew after he was Impeached saying that there is a resurgence of the use of illicit brew.
Gachagua was accompanied by a host of leaders among them; Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, members of parliament Hon. James Gakuya (Embakasi North), John Kaguchia (Mukurweini), Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga Woman rep) members of the county assembly led by Sam Kago among others.
