Religious leaders have urged for the swift reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which currently lacks commissioners following several resignations, completed terms, and one removal from office.
At present, the only official remaining is CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan.
Speaking at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on Wednesday, the religious leaders expressed concern that the ongoing delay in reconstituting the electoral agency is infringing on the rights of many Kenyans to adequate representation.
“The failure to constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is a grave injustice to the people of Kenya. The constitutional rights of residents in constituencies without National Assembly members and wards without county assembly representatives are being violated, as they cannot elect their leaders,” they stated.
The group comprised representatives from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem).
Three of the four former IEBC commissioners, known as the Cherera Four, resigned amid the controversy surrounding the disputed results of the 2022 presidential elections. Irene Masit remained but was eventually dismissed by President William Ruto on March 1, 2023, following a tribunal’s recommendation. The former vice chair, Juliana Cherera, and commissioners Francis Wanderi and Justus Nyang’aya chose to resign rather than face a tribunal led by Justice Aggrey Mucheule.
Chairman Wafula Chebukati departed on January 17, 2023, alongside commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye, concluding their six-year terms.
The religious leaders emphasized the need to reconstitute the commission promptly to address outstanding electoral matters.
“We demand that the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary fulfill their responsibilities to the people of Kenya by implementing the following actions:
“First, immediately finalize the formation of the IEBC Commissioners Selection Panel and ensure it is supported to carry out its mandate as quickly as possible,” they stated.
The clergy also criticized Parliament for not prioritizing issues affecting ordinary Kenyans. They pointed out the rare unity displayed by legislators in the ongoing impeachment process against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, even as national surveys reveal that many Kenyans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction.
“We share this sentiment and urge all three branches of government—the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary—to make a significant shift to redeem the nation.
“How can both the National Assembly and the Senate consistently lack the quorum needed to discuss issues of public interest? Where can Kenyans turn for help?”
