Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has addressed the delay in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), attributing it to a court injunction that has stalled the recruitment of new commissioners. His remarks come amid growing pressure from opposition leaders and citizens concerned about the absence of a fully constituted electoral body.
Speaking at a church service at Chebuyusi Boys High School in Navakholo, Kakamega County, on December 8, 2024, Kindiki explained that legal challenges had hindered the formation of the recruitment panel needed to appoint new IEBC commissioners.
“The reason there is no IEBC at the moment is because some Kenyans went to court,” Kindiki stated. “There is an injunction against establishing the recruitment panel that is supposed to appoint IEBC commissioners.”
Kindiki emphasized that the government is committed to respecting the rule of law and cannot defy court orders. He appealed to those behind the legal challenges to reconsider their petitions, urging them to prioritize the national interest.
“Our hands are tied as a government. We cannot defy the courts to re-establish the IEBC,” Kindiki said. “We appeal to our fellow Kenyans who stopped the process to withdraw the petitions so the country can move forward.”
The legal case delaying the recruitment process was filed by Boniface Njogu in October 2024. Njogu argues that the proposed selection panel lacks adequate representation for people living with disabilities. The court is set to rule on the matter on January 25, 2025.
Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized the government for the delays. Speaking during a church service in Mwiki, Kasarani, Gachagua warned that the failure to establish the IEBC could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections. He cited the Krigler report, which recommends the electoral commission be in place at least three years before an election.
