As the vetting of new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners approaches, Machakos County Women Representative Joyce Kamene Kisimbi has ignited fresh debate by calling for a constitutional amendment to allow Kenyans to directly participate in the selection process.
Speaking in Kyumbi while issuing a cheque to a women’s group, Kamene argued that public involvement in vetting the commissioners would restore trust in the electoral body. “Kenyans should have a say in who leads IEBC. This is the only way to ensure inclusivity and fairness,” she said.
The legislator pointed to last year’s anti-government protests as proof that many Kenyans have lost faith in key institutions like the IEBC. She insists it’s time to amend the Constitution to give voters a direct role in selecting the individuals who will oversee elections.
Currently, the IEBC Selection Panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda, has shortlisted 11 candidates for interviews starting Monday, March 24. However, Kamene believes the process lacks public participation, raising concerns about transparency and legitimacy.
With the IEBC selection process already underway, the big question remains: Should Kenyans be given the power to choose their election referees, or will politicians continue deciding for them?
