Nairobi: The National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has urged political leaders to keep off the affairs of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning against attempts to interfere with its operations and procurement processes. Ichung’wah emphasized the importance of allowing the electoral body to discharge its mandate independently, especially as the country gears up for the general elections.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ichung’wah, speaking in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, highlighted the need for political leaders to resist the temptation to control the IEBC, particularly through its tendering and procurement processes. He voiced concerns that some individuals were involving themselves in the commission’s tender disputes for personal business gains.
Ichung’wah stressed that political leaders should instead offer guidance when necessary while respecting the commission’s independence. He stated, “The best we can do as political leaders is to keep off the processes at IEBC. Where we need to guide, we should guide, but we should not seek to interfere with the workings of IEBC.”
The Majority Leader also appealed to politicians who aim to influence the commission’s operations to remember the importance of IEBC’s independent mandate. He urged his colleagues to recognize that the commission’s independence is crucial for its effective functioning.
He further noted that any concerns regarding procurement at the IEBC should be addressed through established legal mechanisms under the country’s public procurement laws, which offer avenues for dissatisfied parties to seek redress. ‘Where there are challenges, whether it’s in procurement, there are structures within our procurement laws,’ Ichung’wah explained.
Moreover, Ichung’wah cautioned against politicizing every aspect of the electoral process, arguing that the IEBC should function as an impartial umpire. He likened the commission to a neutral referee whose credibility is dependent on its ability to operate without political interference.
His remarks were supported by Kirinyaga Central Member of Parliament, Gachoki Gitari, who affirmed that the IEBC should not be guided or directed by political influences.
