Raila, Kalonzo join Ruto as he assents to IEBC Bill that Paves Way to Hiring of Commissioners

President William Ruto has today signed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 at KICC Nairobi. An event that is his first official state event to be held outside State House since the protests rocked the country three weeks ago. 

Azimio leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka joined President William Ruto at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre for the signing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bill. 

This event, a deviation from the usual State House location, marks a significant step following the National Dialogue Committee talks. Key attendees included Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Attorney General Justin Muturi, and other senior officials. Opposition figures like National Assembly minority leader Opiyo Wandayi, and ODM deputy leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya were also present. 

The bill, which aims to reform the electoral system and appoint new IEBC commissioners, faced pressure from various quarters, including calls from Kenyans and the clergy, for its signing. 

The assent initiates the process for appointing a selection panel to recruit new commissioners for the electoral body.

On Monday, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed noted that the IEBC bill was the first to be handled by Parliament based on the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report's recommendations.

This report was created by a bipartisan team, including leaders from President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza and Mr. Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.

The IEBC bill was a contentious issue during recent anti-government protests, with youth demanding the formation of the electoral commission in preparation for the 2027 General Election.

Mr. Odinga emphasized that the current situation, driven by citizens' demands for governance reform, necessitates leadership in guiding Kenya's future. He mentioned that the newly enacted IEBC law would bring necessary changes to the commission, which has been hampered by the absence of a chairman and commissioners.

He also suggested that addressing citizens' concerns could help end the ongoing protests and urged the president to engage in discussions with all stakeholders.

"Thiis bill that has been signed into law today is just one of those issues...most of the issues that are being raised by the youth are addressed in the NADCO report," Raila stated.

"I think that Kenya deserves better. The issues of unemployment, issues of discrimination. issues of corruption, issues of gender discrimination and so on need to be addressed."

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa, who chaired NADCO, stated that the passage of the IEBC bill underscored the value of dialogue in the country. Ichung'wa also mentioned that other bills resulting from the dialogue would be prioritized when the House reconvenes later this month.

Mr. Musyoka, the committee's co-chair, noted that they engaged in dialogue with the government due to concerns raised by Kenyans after the 2022 election, including allegations of rigging. He also called on the government to pay full attention to the youth and address the issues they have highlighted.

"I want to urge that we look at our country afresh. There's no way that we can wish the Gen Zs Revolution," Kalonzo urged. 

Referring to the numerous roadblocks he encountered on his way to KICC, he also requested the president to withdraw the military from the streets.

This 'Action' by the President amidst the youths' vow to continue protesting demanding he dissolve Parliament that they feel has let the citizens down, dissolve his Cabinet and his own resignation as they continue to call out poor governance in the country. 

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