ODM defends its role in IEBC reconstitution amid accusations of interference
The party rejected these claims, asserting that the process is being carried out in full accordance with the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which was chaired by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has rejected claims of alleged interference in the ongoing reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement, the party rejected these claims, asserting that the process is being carried out in full accordance with the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which was chaired by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
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"We view the accusation by a section of Azimio leaders as an attempt to pre-emptively discredit the panel and the outcome of the entire process," the party stated.
"The process is being carried out in strict adherence to the recommendations of the NADCO report, chaired by Kalonzo Musyoka," ODM added.
The party also stressed that the delay in the process was due to unresolved matters concerning the nomination of Wiper's representative to the Selection Panel.
"Following ODM's support, Wiper's nominee, Koki Muli, was appointed to the panel and has been part of the process from the shortlisting stage to the ongoing candidate interviews," ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna stated.
ODM also clarified that one of the shortlisted candidates for the IEBC Commission is Musyoka's advisor, which the party said is completely within the candidate's constitutional right.
ODM reiterated that the law grants the Selection Panel operational autonomy, allowing it to determine its procedures without external interference.
"The panel should be allowed to independently execute its mandate," ODM stated, adding that it would not tolerate attempts to derail or delay the process.
The party called for the public and political figures to respect the panel's autonomy, emphasising that Kenyans have waited a long time for a functioning electoral commission and should not endure any further delays.
Additionally, ODM's Central Committee has endorsed Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Mohamed as the new National Organising Secretary, following the resignation of Abdisalan Ahmed, who was nominated as Principal Secretary by President William Ruto.
On April 1, Kalonzo Musyoka, accompanied by a group of politicians, including Eugene Wamalwa, raised concerns about the ongoing recruitment process for the IEBC chairperson and commissioners, calling for greater transparency.
The group urged the selection panel to provide clarity on how certain shortlisted candidates were chosen, highlighting the fact that some of them had political affiliations.
"We are informing Raila and Ruto that we will not accept the appointment of the IEBC chairperson, and we are prepared to take the matter to court. Our lawyers are on standby," Wamalwa cautioned.
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