Ruto-Raila Teams Strike First Deal on IEBC Changes

The bipartisan teams assigned by the Azimio La Umoja and Kenya Kwanza coalitions to resolve the recent political crisis in the country have agreed on a plan for the future of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung'wa, the team has decided to allow the IEBC Selection Panel to continue its work without interference while negotiations on other issues proceed. This decision is expected to help reduce tension in the nation.

However, the bipartisan team will still discuss the issue of electoral justice which is considered the most divisive. Kalonzo Musyoka of the Azimio coalition says that the panel responsible for recruiting the Chairperson and six Commissioners of IEBC may also hear from them as the talks progress. Despite Azimio's disregard for the IEBC which they have accused of electoral injustice, the coalition believes that the reconstitution of the IEBC cannot be removed from the contentious issues for discussion. The panel was appointed by President William Ruto on March 6 and later confirmed by the National Assembly.

The Selection Panel for the appointment of the Chairperson and Commissioners includes Charity Kisotu as Vice Chairperson, Bethuel Sugut, Novince Euralia Atieno, Evans Misati James, Benson Ngugi Njeri, and Fatuma Saman. The panel followed the Law by advertising the positions in national newspapers and conducting interviews and tests for the shortlisted candidates. The names of the candidates are yet to be presented to President William Ruto for appointment.

"On the question of stopping the IEBC selection panel, we are not writing to them to stop them from working. We are sending them a judicial notice of the ongoings of this National Dialogue team," Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah stated.