Top political leaders, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, have come out strongly in defense of the ongoing recruitment of IEBC officials, urging Kenyans to uphold objectivity and resist politicizing the constitutional process. Speaking in Nandi County during a fundraiser, Wetang’ula emphasized that the process is being handled by Parliament’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), not the President, and advised anyone with concerns to submit them to the committee.
Wetang’ula clarified that President William Ruto’s role in the IEBC recruitment is part of a broader legal framework, and final approval lies with Parliament. “Let’s not oppose everything simply because it wasn’t our idea,” he stated. He urged citizens to protect national institutions from partisan interference.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro echoed the Speaker’s sentiments, with Ichung’wah warning against tribal politics in national affairs. Osoro criticized those constantly faulting the government’s actions, saying some individuals oppose progress for political gain.
Tinderet MP Julius Melly added that the IEBC recruitment process is transparent and not influenced by the presidency. This follows President Ruto’s recent nomination of Erastus Ethekon as IEBC Chair and six commissioners from various counties, a move aimed at rebuilding the electoral body after the death of former Chair Wafula Chebukati.
