Azimio MPs Ignite Tussle Over Chebukati Replacement

The Azimio la Umoja coalition has thrown spears at President William Ruto's bid to replace Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati.

Speaking on Monday, October 24, Members of Parliament (MP) allied to the coalition termed an illegal decision by the government to replace Chebukati as well as commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye.

Led by the Leader of the Minority in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi, the coalition demanded Chebukati and the two commissioners to proceed on terminal leave as required by law.

The member of the National Assembly added that the team should do so without further delay and that anything they do at the IEBC offices in Nairobi would come back to bite them.

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi. /CAPITAL GROUP

"What could they be doing at Anniversary Towers three months to their retirement yet they have accumulated leave days over the years? What mischief are they playing at Anniversary Towers? Why is it so difficult for Chebukati and his friends to go home yet the Law requires them to go home three months before their exit dates?

"We are still calling upon them, Chebukati, Boya Mulu and Guliye, to proceed on terminal leave without any further delay and anything you are attempting to do at the Anniversary Towers will come to haunt you for sure. What is it that you want to do within these two and a half months that you were unable to do in six years?" stated Wandayi.

Backing up Wandayi was Pokot South MP David Pkosing who demanded that all political parties must be included to ensure an agreed-upon choice by all of them on the new IEBC chairperson.

He further believed that the coalition, under former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was not consulted when the vacancies were declared by the President in a Gazette Notice dated Friday, October 21.

"We are calling for a transparent and consultative way of recruiting the chair of the electoral commission. The commission is a very fundamental institution that midwifes democracy. An election will be as free as it is managed by the referee. If the referee is free then the election is free.

"We saw the information in the media that some people have started the process of replacing Chebukati. The leadership in this country must be put together. The leadership of Azimio, Kenya Kwanza and all the other smaller parties must come together to choose the referee," he stated.

President Ruto said that he would appoint a selection panel as required by law to oversee the recruitment process.

In response to the development, Chebukati noted that the declaration of vacancy will ensure that there is a smooth transition of the role which has not been the case before.

"I wish to welcome the decision to gazette impending vacancies for the positions of IEBC Chairperson and 2 Commissioners which will officially be vacant from 18/1/2023.