Raila Odinga Wants Political Parties to Pick IEBC Commissioners

Opposition leader Raila Odinga is pushing for an Inter-Party Parliamentary Group (IPPG) to lead significant electoral reforms.

The bipartisan teams are currently in negotiations regarding a proposal that is reminiscent of one from 1997. The proposal suggests the return of the Independent Parties and Parliamentary Group (IPPG) system, which involves political parties selecting commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). This issue had previously sparked controversy in Kenya's political scene. One opposition leader involved in the negotiations says their "electoral justice" agenda includes the option of implementing reforms like those agreed upon before the 1997 election.

Another possible solution is to rebuild the IEBC selection panel and call for fresh applications. Technical teams from the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party are also having separate meetings to develop proposals for each of the five negotiation topics. On Friday, the technical crews from both sides are expected to convene to evaluate and adjust the proposals necessary to establish the National Dialogue Committee.

Azimio is also demanding changes to the IEBC's secretariat which could potentially result in a complete replacement of the current team led by CEO Marjan Hussein. The National Dialogue Committee, co-led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah, has decided to focus on reforming the IEBC and auditing the results of the 2022 presidential election. According to legal protocols, the IEBC selection panel is mandated to solicit job applications and conduct interviews to narrow down the list of IEBC candidates. The panel will then send the names of successful candidates to the President for nomination and vetting by the National Assembly

In February, President Ruto appointed a selection panel chaired by Dr Nelson Makanda. The panel has since slowed down its work to give the ongoing talks a chance. Last week, Mr Musyoka reiterated that the panel could be reconstituted afresh.