National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged politicians to stop interfering with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that political meddling could derail voter registration and upcoming by-elections.
Speaking on Sunday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula noted that reckless remarks by leaders risk undermining the newly reconstituted IEBC.
“Politicians, especially some younger leaders, must avoid making reckless and prejudicial statements that could undermine the autonomy of the Commission,” Wetang’ula noted.
He explained that the IEBC is a constitutionally independent body that does not take instructions from any leader, including the president.
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“The Commission does not take instructions from anyone regardless of status or position. Not even the president can direct the IEBC on how to execute its duties,” he observed.
Wetang’ula added that Kenyans had waited for the reconstitution of the IEBC, and now that a new team is in place, political actors should give it space to operate independently.
“Let the Commission do its work independently. Politicians should desist from using public platforms to issue directives to the IEBC,” he explained.
The Speaker stated that Parliament will expedite the passage of the supplementary budget once tabled to secure funding for voter registration.
“The National Assembly is awaiting the tabling of the supplementary budget, which contains allocations for the voter registration exercise. Once presented, Members of Parliament will expedite its passage to facilitate this critical national exercise,” he noted.
Wetang’ula urged the youth to register as voters, pointing out that President William Ruto’s directive had eased identification requirements.
“I encourage the youth without national identification cards to take advantage of this opportunity and prepare to participate in shaping the country’s future,” he explained.
Bungoma Senator David Wakoli urged leaders to respect independent institutions and avoid divisive politics.
“I call upon the church to pray for the country to be united,” Wakoli noted.
Kanduyi MP John Makali said safeguarding institutional independence is vital for the rule of law and democracy.
Wetang’ula’s remarks came a day after IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon urged politicians to avoid statements that could erode public trust in the commission. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also recently noted that the IEBC must function independently, reminding politicians that the commission serves all Kenyans regardless of affiliation.
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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged politicians to stop interfering with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that political meddling could derail voter registration and upcoming by-elections.
Speaking on Sunday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula noted that reckless remarks by leaders risk
undermining the newly reconstituted IEBC
.
“Politicians, especially some younger leaders, must avoid making reckless and prejudicial statements that could undermine the autonomy of the Commission,” Wetang’ula noted.
He explained that the IEBC is a constitutionally independent body that does not take instructions from any leader, including the president.
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channel
on WhatsApp
“The Commission does not take instructions from anyone regardless of status or position. Not even the president can direct the IEBC on how to execute its duties,” he observed.
Wetang’ula added that Kenyans had waited for the
reconstitution of the IEBC
, and now that a new team is in place, political actors should give it space to operate independently.
“Let the Commission do its work independently. Politicians should desist from using public platforms to issue directives to the IEBC,” he explained.
The Speaker stated that Parliament will expedite the passage of the supplementary budget once tabled to secure funding for voter registration.
“The National Assembly is awaiting the tabling of the supplementary budget, which contains allocations for the voter registration exercise. Once presented, Members of Parliament will expedite its passage to facilitate this
critical national exercise
,” he noted.
Wetang’ula urged the youth to register as voters, pointing out that President William Ruto’s directive had eased identification requirements.
“I encourage the youth without national identification cards to take advantage of this opportunity and prepare to participate in shaping the country’s future,” he explained.
Bungoma Senator David Wakoli urged leaders to respect independent institutions and avoid divisive politics.
“I call upon the church to pray for the country to be united,” Wakoli noted.
Kanduyi MP John Makali said safeguarding
institutional independence
is vital for the rule of law and democracy.
Wetang’ula’s remarks came a day after IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon urged politicians to avoid statements that could erode public trust in the commission. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also recently noted that the IEBC must function independently, reminding politicians that the commission serves all Kenyans regardless of affiliation.
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By Mike Kihaki