Kilifi: Political leaders in Kilifi County have raised concerns over the ongoing deadlock surrounding the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging a swift resolution to facilitate the swearing-in of newly appointed commissioners. The leaders argue that the delay in installing the electoral body's commissioners is depriving numerous Kenyans of their right to representation.
According to Kenya News Agency, National Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya, Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu, and former Magarini MP Harrison Kombe voiced their concerns during an event at the Marafa Vocational Training Centre in Magarini Constituency. The event, attended by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, involved the disbursement of over Sh60 million in compensation to families affected by human-wildlife conflicts in Kilifi.
Baya criticized those who have taken legal action to prevent the swearing-in of the IEBC commissioners, arguing that such actions have stalled essential electoral processes, including by-elections in areas like Magarini constituency. He emphasized the importance of having a fully operational electoral commission to address the nation's needs.
Despite the National Assembly's vetting and approval of the nominees, Baya lamented that ongoing litigation has resulted in significant delays, posing risks to the country's electoral preparedness. He called for an end to what he described as "dangerous delays" in the constitution of the IEBC.
Echoing Baya's sentiments, Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu urged those involved in legal proceedings against the swearing-in of the commissioners to withdraw their cases. She warned that prolonging the impasse could jeopardize the preparation for the August 2027 General Election, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Former Magarini MP Harrison Kombe highlighted the adverse impact of the impasse on Magarini residents, who have been without representation in the National Assembly for over a year. He appealed directly to the President to intervene and ensure that the IEBC is fully constituted to uphold the constitutional right to representation for Magarini's residents.
The Magarini Parliamentary seat has remained vacant following the nullification of Kombe's election victory by the courts, creating a need for a by-election that has been postponed due to the lack of IEBC commissioners.