A parliamentary caucus on human rights has called for the overhaul of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Kenya Parliamentary Human Right Association (Kephra) says the electoral body needs to be reconstituted ahead of the 2017 General Election.
The caucus, whose mandate is to affirm and protect the universal values of human rights, truth, peace, social justice, human dignity and integrity in the context of Kenya cultural and historical background, said majority of Kenyans lack confidence in the IEBC.
“Low public confidence in the electorate body is something that cannot be taken lightly,” said Oljororok MP John Waiganjo. Speaking at Kenya National Human Rights offices, Waiganjo (pictured) said although the term of IEBC commissioners expires in November next year, voters’ confidence in the electoral body has declined.
Waiganjo said IEBC as currently constituted is incapable of handling a free and fair election and urged the commissioners to voluntarily vacate office. “The commissioners should leave on their own volition,”he said.
However, Sarah Korere (nominated) said there are legal frameworks to remove commissioners from office other than protest. Kibra MP Ken Okoth said the Opposition wants political parties to appoint members to IEBC based on their strength in Parliament. He said Kephra champions the development of policies and law that promote state capacity to enhance human rights.
The post MPs back push for agency removal appeared first on Mediamax Network Limited.