My top priority is to restore public confidence in IEBC to ensure poll integrity – Nyachae
Nyachae highlighted the importance of ensuring that even those who lose in elections feel represented and are part of the political process.
Former Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) chairman Charles Ayako Nyachae says his vision is to restore public trust in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) if he is picked as its chairperson.
Nyachae highlighted the ongoing trust deficit in the commission and emphasised that rebuilding confidence in the electoral body would be his topmost priority to ensure the integrity of future elections.
Reflecting on the IEBC’s troubled history, particularly in the last three elections, he shared his goal for the future.
"The legacy I would like us to leave is a commission that was able to give back the trust that it has lost over the years. To begin with, the people of Kenya must feel included in the elections whether they are in the winning team or the losing team,” he said.
Nyachae highlighted the importance of ensuring that even those who lose in elections feel represented and are part of the political process.
"I would like to be remembered as the chair who was able to completely or at least reduce the gap between the people of Kenya and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission," he said, emphasising the need for unity and inclusion.
Responding to concerns about the IEBC’s proposed budget of Sh63 billion, Nyachae stressed the importance of ethical governance and adherence to the policy governing the commission.
“In my job, we are required to provide policy and ensure that ethics are upheld. For me, that would be the guiding focus; everything done in accordance with policy and everything done ethically,” Nyachae said.
He acknowledged the challenges of overseeing a huge budget while safeguarding against corruption and internal wrangling run by cartels.
“The kind of figure (IEBC budget) has people salivating,” Nyachae said.
He noted that these issues could hinder IEBC’s work if not carefully managed, underscoring the need for vigilance against cartels and vested interests that could undermine the electoral process.
Despite these challenges, Nyachae expressed his commitment to restoring the lost trust in the commission by Kenyans and stakeholders.
Top Stories Today
