Raila endorses IEBC panel report, asks Uhuru to consult him in appointments

Cord leader Raila Odinga has endorsed recommendations by the IEBC joint select committee saying he “can live with them”.

The report stated commissioners will leave office by September 30.

Committee co-chairs James Orengo and Kiraitu Murungi said this will ensure the appointment of new commissioners in time for the 2017 general elections.

Raila, who received the report in Nairobi on Wednesday, asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to consult him when appointing new commissioners.

“I would not want the President to have a role in the selection of IEBC commissioners. But I hope he will find it necessary to consult me,” he said.

Raila said the journey towards a level playing field come August 8, 2017 has begun.

“It was give and take… We have conceded many issues we were insisting on for the sake of this country,” he said adding “all Cord members will support the report and the draft bills”.

Regarding send-off packages for the commissioners, Orengo said they will be agreed upon after the committee’s report is presented to the National Assembly and Senate.

Kiraitu said the change of electoral commissioners would ensure legal, policy and institutional reforms to strengthen the electoral body.

The committee also resolved that the IEBC will conduct party nominations ahead of next year’s elections.

The team asked the government to ensure the purchase of BRV and BVI kits is done eight months before the poll to allow proper training of IEBC staff.

Uhuru said on August 8 that the IEBC would conduct the nominations to “achieve fairness and transparency on behalf of all parties”.

As the committee wrapped up sessions on Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi warned he would declare the report null and void if it is not tabled soon.

The committee had been given 30 days to table the report in Parliament.

–the-star.co.ke