State to blame for delays in reconstituting IEBC - Kalonzo

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused the government of instituting delays in the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Kalonzo's remarks come a few days after pressure to have the IEBC reconstituted erupted. The calls were first made by Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola who criticised parliament for speedily passing politically expedient bills while ignoring those that are most important for the country

Speaking at the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi, Kalonzo alleged that state proxies are behind a court case intended to obstruct the formation of the IEBC selection panel.

"I stand in solidarity with the recent calls from the church leadership to demand the reconstitution of the IEBC," Kalonzo stated.

He emphasised that delays in forming the panel undermine the country's democratic processes and called for immediate action to resolve the stalemate.

The contentious case he was referring to is one pitting Augustus Muli, leader of the NLP Party, against Koki Muli, a Wiper representative in the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition.

Muli claims to have legitimately won the coalition's election to the IEBC selection panel after securing 16 of 23 votes.

However, Kalonzo highlighted a High Court ruling stating that only members of parties with parliamentary representation are eligible for the panel.

"Since the NLP lacks representation in the National Assembly Muli's position in the case is legally untenable," he said.

Kalonzo went further, alleging that the National Assembly Speaker and Parliamentary Service Commission Chair, Moses Wetang'ula, deliberately delayed implementing the High Court ruling.

This, he claimed, allowed Augustus Muli to file an appeal contesting the decision.

"The NADCO report had nine pieces of legislation which were supposed to be quickly passed through parliament. The speed with which they impeached [Rigathi] Gachagua should have been employed in these matters as well," Kalonzo said.

Kalonzo's remarks also brought attention to an unnamed judge in Kiambu, whom he accused of collaborating with the state to stall the selection panel's formation.

He demanded that the government withdraw the appeal and cease interfering with the process.

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