Uhuru and Raila push for urgency in election reform

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cord leader Raila Odinga want Parliament to move with speed in passing a report by a joint parliamentary committee on electoral reforms.

While Mr Odinga has appealed for minor amendments, including the removal of a clause requiring the president to appoint electoral commissioners, Mr Kenyatta has called for speedy hiring of the officials to ensure elections are held as scheduled.

“Parliament should expeditiously consider the report in accordance with parliamentary procedures and practice,” said President Kenyatta.

He said that the recruitment should start soon to avoid possible interruption of the election calendar, as stipulated in the Constitution.

Mr Odinga said it was important for the president to ensure there are consultations so that all stakeholders have confidence in the procedures and the eventual appointments.

“I hope the president will choose consultation to ensure enough confidence is built throughout the process,” said Mr Odinga.

Suna East MP Junet Mohammed said that a proposal to forward to the president two names for the position of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairman would cause confusion and should not be allowed.

‘UNNECESSARY CONFUSION’

“Only one name should be taken to the president. The idea of presenting two names, as proposed in the Bill, is a recipe for unnecessary confusion,” said Mr Mohammed.

On Thursday, the leadership of the National Assembly and the Senate said the report and two relevant Bills should be passed without amendments.

Senate Minority Leader Moses Wetang’ula described the report and the Bills as products of a deeply negotiated process.

“I want to encourage both sides to fully embrace and own the products of the committee so that we debate the Motions soberly.

“On behalf of my colleagues (Mr Odinga and Mr Kalonzo Musyoka), I want to tell the country that Cord is satisfied and supports the joint committee and the products they have brought,” he said.

Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki described the conclusion of the select committee’s work as a happy ending.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale described the report as marking the start of a journey towards a free, fair and peaceful election in August 2017.

“Our coalition supports the work, the products of the committee and I’m sure our colleagues will treat the report and the Bills in a very unique way,” said Mr Duale.

His Minority counterpart, Mr Francis Nyenze, asked both Cord and Jubilee to show maturity, understanding and togetherness in handling the matters.