In Summary
- Ruto assents to IEBC Bill 2024 at KICC.
- NADCO consisted of leaders from the Kenya Kwanza and the Azimio Coalition.
- DP Gachagua urged the young population to accept dialogue with the Head of State.
President William Ruto on Tuesday signed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bill 2024 at KICC in Nairobi. A new composition of commissioners is set to be in place following the retirement of former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati and his ex-commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu on January 17 last year.
“Today’s assent of the IEBC amendment Bill, marks a significant step in the visualization of one of the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) and testifies to our country’s ability to navigate difficult, complex and sometimes divisive issues that could undermine our national cohesion, our stability and security if we leave it unattended.” President Ruto said.
Why Ruto Assented to IEBC Bill 2024
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday morning, the President addressed key issues that were discussed by NADCO and testified that it was a significant step towards the country’s ability to navigate complex issues that could undermine national cohesion and security if not addressed by the government. He also noted that the bill will allow the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the ability to perform key function of conducting the elections and boundaries review process.
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The National Dialogue Committee consisted of leaders drawn from the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition party Azimio coalition endorsed by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka from Azimio and National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichungwa aimed at amending a series of legislative amendments including the IEBC Bill 2024 and the National Government Coordination Bill 2024 among others.
“The assenting of this bill paves way for the establishment of the selection panel for the appointment of IEBC commissioners. IEBC remains a cornerstone of our democracy responsible for overseeing regular elections at various levels and on the overall that our electoral cycle is managed transparently and administered in an impartial neutral, efficient accurate and accountable manner.” Ruto added.
On his part Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua further urged the young population to accept having a discussion with the government and to stay away from the destruction of property and to have a common agreement that will help build the nation.
“We call upon the people of Kenya to give dialogue a chance, get off the streets and destruction of property because Kenya is greater than all of us.” Gachagua said.
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Anti Finance Bill Compensation
With regards to Gen Z protests that have rocked the country and that led to the death of protesters and destruction of property, The Azimio leader called for the compensation of the victims who died or got injured during the anti-finance bill 2024 demos.
“Unless we are in a state of emergency, the police and army should immediately be taken off the streets. All victims of police brutality must be compensated,” Raila posted on his X platform.
Raila also took time to shed light on previous antigovernment protests that were led by the opposition revealing that it was a shame that the country lost over 70 precious lives and the same happened during the recent peaceful Gen Z protests where over 40 people were killed.
“You remember the last elections, the whole world was stunned when we saw an electoral commission that was completely divided, some saying one thing and the other saying one thing. What example are we showing the world as a country, that in the process of a very important exercise, the commission is divided, and nobody knows who to believe.” Raila noted.
