Kenya Kwanza MPs vow to pass IEBC nominees list

Members of Parliament allied to Kenya Kwanza have vowed to pass the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) list of nominees once it is tabled in Parliament.

The MPs urged those opposed to the list to rally their supporters for a showdown in Parliament.

They accused Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka of dishonesty after he declared his opposition to the nominees.

The MPs were speaking during an interdenominational service and a fundraiser for churches in Nandi Hills town on Sunday.

If approved, the IEBC's main task will be to address the backlog of by-elections, which has denied some Kenyans representation for over two years.

The leaders present included Governor Jonathan Chelilim (Uasin Gishu), Dr Yulita Mitei (Deputy Governor, Nandi), and Senator Aron Cheruiyot (Kericho).

Also present were MPs Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), Josses Lelmengit (Emgwen), Silvanus Osoro (Mugirango North), Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache), Cynthia Muge (Nandi), Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga), John Bwire (Taveta), Lilian Cheney Siyoi (Trans Nzoia), Innocent Mugambe (Likuyani), Bernard Kitur (Nandi Hills), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi), and Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Hillary Kosgei (Kipkelion West)

Mr Cheruiyot said Kalonzo was involved in the drafting of the IEBC election laws and the selection of the election panel.

Mr Osoro dismissed Kalonzo and his allies, accusing them of always complaining and opposing government efforts.

He reminded Kalonzo that the IEBC selection process was gazetted, and those who applied were interviewed in broad daylight and approved.

He urged Kalonzo and his allies to move away from what he called divisive press conferences and instead tour the country to sell their agenda.

Ichung’wah accused Kalonzo of being self-centred and attempting to “obstruct everything the government is doing.”

He pointed out that Kalonzo was represented on the selection panel by Dr Koki Muli.

“He should organise his troops and meet us in Parliament. We have many by-elections waiting for us,” added Mr Nyakundi.

The chief guest, President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, stated that the President was not involved in the selection process but only received the list from the panel.

He added that the IEBC’s role is simply to oversee the electoral process and cannot determine who becomes President, Governor, Senator, MP, or MCA.