MPs, Senators pass motion on IEBC Joint Select Committee

Senate in session. Senators passed a Motion on July 5, 2016 to set up a committee to look into concerns raised about the IEBC. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Senators agreed that the matter would be better handled by both Houses instead of taking it out of Parliament.
  • Senators challenged the committee to wholesomely look at every issue raised about IEBC, some saying that the only way to bring back the lost confidence in the body was to overhaul it.

MPs and senators have passed a Motion to set up a committee to look into concerns raised about the electoral agency with a view of disbanding it.

On Wednesday, MPs approves the Motion on select committee on Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) reforms, setting in motion its work for next 30 days.

The National Assembly pushed voting for the motion to Wednesday after lacking requisite quorum to enable a vote on Tuesday.

Senators unanimously passed the Motion on Tuesday evening.

They extended the session to give themselves adequate time to debate and vote for the Motion that seeks to establish a joint House team to find ways to remove commissioners of the embattled Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The proposed committee received support from both sides of the House.

Senators agreed that the matter would be better handled by both Houses instead of taking it out of Parliament.

Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki moved the Motion urging members to support it.

While making their contributions, senators said it is important to clean up the electoral body early enough to give new commissioners adequate time to prepare for the next elections.

"The mandate of this committee is quite extensive. The main focus would be on having fair and credible elections next year. I would be proposing a formula to ensure that verification of results is done at polling centres instead of another tallying centre (Bomas) as has been done before," said Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr, a member of the committee.

SCRUTINY

Majority Whip Beatrice Elachi said issues touching on changes to be made to the IEBC would be better addressed in Parliament instead of political rallies.

"It is good we are back to our senses. Now this matter is properly before Parliament. We have always said IEBC issues would be better addressed here. It is now a challenge to us to ensure we deal with these issues seriously. The whole country will be looking at us," said Ms Elachi, also a member of the select team.

Senators challenged the committee to wholesomely look at every issue raised about IEBC, some saying that the only way to bring back the lost confidence in the body was to overhaul it.

They also said 30 days may not be enough for proper scrutiny of the commission urging for an extension.

"I would not say 30 days are enough. This committee requires more time to listen to each and every Kenyan who has issues with IEBC. We should add them more time. For me, 45 days would be enough," said Bomet Senator Wilfred Lesan.

Other members of the 14-member committee are Senators Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), James Orengo (Siaya), Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet), Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Johnston Muthama (Machakos), Naomi Shaban (Taveta), Moses Kuria, (Gatundu South), Jimmy Angweyi (Kitutu Chache North) Mohammed Mahmoud (Mandera West), Junet Mohammed (Suna East), Mishi Mboko (Mombasa Women Rep) and Eseli Simiyu (Tongaren).

The committee was formed following street demonstrations led by opposition leader Raila Odinga calling for the disbandment of the electoral body before 2017 polls.