Raila’s Responds To Kalonzo Over Attempted IEBC Recruitment Sabotage
On Wednesday, April 2, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga refuted Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa’s allegations of meddling with the current Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) nomination process.
On Wednesday, April 2, Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) issued a statement refuting charges made by his former running mate that the current procedure was unconstitutional.
On Tuesday, Kalonzo, DAP-Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, and PLP Party Leader Martha Karua insisted that Raila could no longer be regarded as a member of the opposition because he signed an MoU with President William Ruto.
The Wiper Party leader also alleged that the fundamental ideas upon which the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) was founded had been compromised.
In response, Raila, through Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, denied the claims and accused Kalonzo of attempting to disrupt a legitimate process.
“We view the accusation as an attempt to discredit the outcome of the entire process. Kenyans have waited for an IEBC and we will not tolerate attempts to derail the process,” Sifuna said.
ODM further rejected assertions that no one from the ‘opposition’ was involved in the selection process, citing Kalonzo’s supporter Koki Muli, who was appointed to the nine-member screening panel in January.
Sifuna further stated that the delays in the start of the IEBC commissioners’ recruiting process were primarily due to a court case initiated by Kalonzo and his friends.
According to the Secretary-General, the nomination of a Wiper delegate to the selection panel had complete support from ODM.
He added: “We are confident that the men and women to represent the various organisations, including the minority party which ODM is part of will do their best in the interest of the country and in accordance with their oath of office.”
Last week, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel interviewed 11 applicants for the commission’s new chairperson.
However, Kalonzo stated on Monday that the “principle of consultation and concurrence” would apply after the selection process was completed and his team was prepared to proceed to court.
READ MORE:
- Iran Explosion Kills 14, Leaves Over 800 Injured At Bandar Abbas Port
- Faith Kipyegon Sets World Record in Xiamen Ahead of June Showdown
- DCI Issues Statement After Breakthrough On Fatal Attack On NPR Officers
- Nelson Havi Found Guilty Of Professional Misconduct
- TWO Police Officers Arrested For Hiding 2Kgs Of Seized Bhang
“We are watching very closely. We are not sleeping on this matter. It is an issue that concerns all Kenyans and cannot be controlled by one side alone,” the Wiper Party leader warned.
“If that happens, both Kenyans and the world will see that this is William Ruto’s Commission, and we cannot allow that.”
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has authorized a two-week extension for the recruitment of IEBC chairpersons and members.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed introduced the resolution on Wednesday, April 2, emphasizing the need to give the IEBC selection panel the time to perform a comprehensive vetting process.
Raila’s Responds To Kalonzo Over Attempted IEBC Recruitment Sabotage
