Kalonzo: Azimio Not Responsible for IEBC Delays.

Wiper Party leader and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has clarified that the opposition coalition, Azimio, is not responsible for the delay in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Speaking on Sunday, Kalonzo stated that Azimio had already submitted a name for the selection panel. “When Azimio was given 48 hours to submit a candidate for the panel that will form the IEBC, we nominated Dr. Koki Muli. However, some people are intimidated by her capabilities and are seeking more pliable candidates,” Kalonzo explained.

He emphasized that the IEBC issue concerns all Kenyans and urged President William Ruto to act swiftly. Kalonzo also called on those who have filed court injunctions to drop their cases, stating that the individuals involved are known to the government.

“Everyone is concerned about the IEBC situation. William Ruto needs to wake up and take action. The country is waiting. The individuals who have gone to court are known to the state, so they should be asked to withdraw their cases. We need the panel named within a week, and in the coming months, we should have a new IEBC,” Kalonzo said.

This comes after Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola criticized the opposition for holding the country hostage by delaying the appointment of a representative to the selection panel.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also weighed in, urging political parties yet to agree on a representative for the selection panel to resolve their differences and allow the process to move forward. “Some political parties have not decided on their representatives for the selection panel. We want them to resolve this quickly so that we can have a new IEBC by the end of the year or, at the latest, next month. It is not acceptable for a country with a vibrant democracy like Kenya to be without a functional IEBC for so long,” Kindiki said. He also encouraged those who have sought court injunctions to explore out-of-court resolutions.