The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has unveiled a detailed framework for recalling Members of County Assembly (MCAs), tightening procedures to make the process more structured but significantly more demanding.
The move comes after years of debate on how citizens can hold underperforming or errant ward representatives accountable ,a discussion that gained momentum during the 2023 Gen Z-led protests, which saw widespread calls for recalling certain lawmakers.
Under the new guidelines, an MCA can only be recalled on serious grounds such as flagrant violation of the Constitution or other laws, gross misconduct, incompetence, or conviction for an offence punishable by at least six months in prison.
The Commission clarified that a recall is not a casual or politically driven exercise, insisting that petitioners must provide credible evidence before the process can proceed.
According to the framework, the process begins when a registered voter in the affected ward files a formal petition with the IEBC.
The petition must clearly outline the reasons for recall and include a sworn affidavit before a Commissioner for Oaths affirming the truthfulness of the claims.
Petitioners must also pay a non-refundable fee of KSh15,000, equivalent to the amount charged when contesting an MCA seat in an election petition.
In addition, the petitioner must demonstrate broad community support by collecting signatures from at least 30 per cent of registered voters in the ward within 30 days of filing the petition.
The list of supporters must include names, ID or passport numbers, addresses, contacts, and original signatures or thumbprints.
To ensure fairness, IEBC requires that the supporters represent the diversity of the ward’s population, guarding against sectional or tribal mobilisation.