ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of making two serious mistakes since the new commissioners took office.
Speaking on Sunday, August 10, Sifuna said the commission broke the law when it set November 27 as the date for upcoming by-elections. He argued that the Constitution requires by-elections to be held within 90 days after the writs are issued, but November 27 is more than 100 days away.
The by-elections will be held in several wards and constituencies, including Angata Nanyokie in Samburu, Kariobangi North in Nairobi, Purko in Kajiado, and parliamentary seats such as Banissa, Kasipul, Malava, and Ugunja.
Sifuna also faulted the IEBC for how it replaced former nominated MP John Mbadi. He claimed the law says the next nominee must come from the same category as the outgoing member. Mbadi was nominated under the workers’ category, but he was replaced by Harold Kimuge Kipchumba, who was in the Persons with Disabilities category.
IEBC defended itself, saying Kipchumba was next in line on the party list and met all legal requirements. The commission insisted that its decision followed the Elections Act and regulations.
