It is imperative that politicians and Kenyans at large allow constitutional institutions to function independently and without undue political interference, Eldas MP Adan Keynan has said.
The MP was referring to the opposition coalition led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, opposing President William Ruto’s poll agency appointments.
On Thursday, President Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon for the position of chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Also nominated as commissioners are Ann Nderitu (Nyandarua), Moses Mukhwana (Kakamega), Mary Sorobit, (Uasin Gishu), Hassan Hassan (Mandera), Francis Aduol (Kisumu) and Fahima Abdallah (Lamu).
Keynan said that as a nation that values democracy, transparency and the rule of law, constitutional institutions must be allowed to function independently and without undue political interference.
“The IEBC plays a central role in safeguarding the electoral process and the integrity of its commissioners must be protected as they assume their critical responsibilities immediately after they are vetted,” he said.
Keynan said while the public accountability is essential, it is important that all stakeholders uphold the principles of due process and fairness.
“The new commissioners deserve the opportunity to demonstrate their competence, impartiality and commitment to the democratic ideals enshrined in our constitution. Premature judgments or politically motivated attacks risk undermining public confidence in the very institutions that anchor our democracy,” he said.
The MP called on citizens, political actors and civil society to give the commissioners the space and support necessary to carry out their mandate effectively.
Constructive engagement, rather than confrontation, will serve the best interests of the country, Keynan said.
“Let us commit to building an electoral process that is credible, inclusive and beyond reproach — and that starts with respecting the independence and dignity of those charged with its oversight,” he said.
The Northern Kenya Parliamentary Group chair called on the new commissioners to uphold the highest level of transparency, fairness and the rule of law once they assume office noting that their role is both an honour and a great responsibility, entrusted with upholding the democratic values and electoral integrity of the nation.
Last week, the Wiper leader expressed his concerns about the nominees saying some of them have links to President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
He said the President’s intention is not only to rig the next election but also the upcoming by-elections.
He accused the President of ignoring the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee report on consultation and concurrence in appointing the IEBC commissioners which he noted were agreed upon by the Kenya Kwanza coalition and opposition parties.
“We are extremely concerned that Ruto chose to be partisan by ignoring the principle of consultation and concurrence in his recommendations of the chairman and members of the IEBC. This action has automatically created a low-trust institution,” read part of his statement.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Justice and Constitutional Affairs is set to vet the nominee for the position of IEBC chair as well nominees for members on May 26.
by STEPHEN ASTARIKO
