Silverio Omari
President William Ruto has signed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 into law.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Tuesday after the signing, Ruto described the Act as a testament to Kenya’s capability to handle “difficult, complex, and sometimes divisive issues” that threaten national unity.
This bill, the first passed by Parliament from the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) following the disputed 2022 presidential election results, enables the establishment of a selection panel for appointing new IEBC commissioners. Ruto emphasized that the new commissioners should uphold the IEBC’s mandate to ensure elections are conducted transparently and administered impartially, efficiently, neutrally, accurately, and accountably.
“I concur with leaders who have said there must be professionalism and integrity as part of the cardinal principles of the men and women who will be charged with overseeing our elections,” Ruto stated.
He also urged Parliament to quickly process other recommended bills from the NADCO report, such as the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023, which aims to reduce corruption, favoritism, and bias in the public service.
“I want to ask Parliament to expedite the Conflict of Interest Bill that will support our anti-corruption measures, especially among public officers,” said President Ruto.
Ruto was accompanied by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Attorney-General Justin Muturi, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, and Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga remarked that the Act arrives at a crucial time for Kenya, marked by nationwide protests against taxation and President Ruto’s leadership.
“Most of the issues being raised by the youth today are contained in the NADCO report. If it is implemented fully, it will address all the issues Kenyan youth have raised,” said the former prime minister.
Odinga called for broader engagement beyond committees like NADCO, urging Kenyans to openly share their concerns with the government.
Gachagua reiterated his call for an end to demonstrations, advocating for dialogue with the government. “I call upon Kenyans to give dialogue and consultation a chance, get off the streets, stay away from destruction of property because the country is greater than any of us.”
Ichung’wa added that the new law demonstrates that “through dialogue, we can talk and surmount all challenges we face as a country.”
