Leaders defend IEBC recruitment, urge objectivity in debate

Leaders across the political divide came out strongly in defence of the ongoing Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) recruitment process, urging Kenyans to remain objective and resist attempts to politicize constitutionally established institutions.

Speaking during a fundraising event at the St. Michaels Kamelilo school on Sunday, several Members of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, underscored the importance of shielding national processes from partisan manipulation.

“This process is being handled by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) of Parliament. If any Kenyan has a memorandum or concern, let them submit it to the committee. The President is not appointing Commissioners, he is simply part of a constitutional process,” said Wetang’ula.

“Parliament has the ultimate authority to either approve or reject the nominees. Let us not fall into the habit of opposing everything simply because it wasn’t our idea.”

He urged citizens to focus on prudent resource management at both local and national levels, adding that the President had inherited a struggling economy, with stalled roads and broken systems.

“But progress is now evident. From revamping CBC to streamlining healthcare through the Social Health Authority (SHA), we are seeing reforms that touch real lives,” he said.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah dismissed tribal narratives being used to contest the IEBC appointments.

“Politics won’t be won through tribal politics. We must mature as a democracy and look at issues through a national lens,” he asserted.

National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro called out constant complaints directed at government development efforts, terming them unconstructive.

“The President is a worker, but some people complain no matter what. When someone says they are speaking for Kenyans, you must ask, which Kenyans? This IEBC isn’t conducting elections today, it’s just a referee. Let the systems work,” he said.

MP Mark Nyamita (Uriri) backed the government’s inclusive approach.

“Until you walk the length and breadth of this country, you won’t know the depth of underdevelopment. President Ruto has travelled this nation and has mainstreamed minorities. In Migori alone, construction has resumed on 18 stalled roads,” he said.

Tinderet MP Julius Melly dismissed claims that the IEBC process is skewed. “The recruitment process has checks and balances. It has nothing to do with the President. Let’s stop misleading Kenyans,” he emphasized.

MP Marianne Kitany challenged critics of the IEBC to engage with communities directly. “Those opposing this process should go to the grassroots and truly listen to the people,” she said.

MP Julius Rutto argued, “Trying to stop the IEBC from moving forward is a disservice to the country. Let’s not derail national progress.”

MP Dick Maungu (Luanda) added, “Some leaders only support government processes when they are in government. When they’re outside, they turn into professional critics. That’s not leadership.”

The event, which also served as a fundraiser to support infrastructure development at the school, demonstrated how local communities and leaders can come together not just to build institutions, but also to shape national conversations with sobriety and patriotism