Raila applauds IEBC officials for decision to leave office

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) leader Raila Odinga has welcomed the agreement reached between the House joint select committee and electoral commissioners that will see the latter leave office and get paid for the remainder of their term.

Mr Odinga said the decision by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials to willingly resign to allow another team to take over in time for the 2017 elections is commendable.

He also praised the select committee’s role in ensuring that an amicable decision is reached regarding the future and sanctity of the electoral process.

“I wish to congratulate Senators Kiraitu Murungi and James Orengo for the steady leadership to the Joint Select Committee of Parliament that has ensured harmonious and mature discussions which has produced this commendable progress,” he said.

The Orange Democratic Movement party leader further congratulated members of the team for focusing on the core agenda, which is to reform the electoral process, rather than focusing on partisan politics.

He said: “I thank all the members of Parliament serving in this committee for putting aside partisan politics and focusing on what really matters at this moment in the history of our country which is the need to have a credible electoral body that enjoys the broad support of a great majority of Kenyans ahead of 2017 elections.”

The joint committee comprises members of the Cord and Jubilee coalitions and was set up to investigate malpractice claims levelled against IEBC commissioners and recommend the fate of the team.