ODM rejects accusations of influencing IEBC appointments
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has dismissed allegations by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka that it is interfering in the selection of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna criticized the claims, arguing that the process is being conducted in line with the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
“The Party takes strong exception to recent unfounded allegations made by some Azimio la Umoja leaders of alleged interference by ODM in the ongoing process of reconstitution of the IEBC,” Sifuna said on Wednesday.
He pointed out that the NADCO framework, which now guides the selection, was chaired by Kalonzo himself, making his accusations misleading.
“Kenyans are fully aware that the inordinate delay in commencing this exercise was due to the failure in the nomination of the Wiper representative to the selection panel, following the support of ODM both at the Political Parties Liaison Committee and in court, including affidavits sworn by our very own Junet Mohammed,” Sifuna explained.
He noted that Wiper’s nominee, Koki Muli, has been actively involved in the selection process, from shortlisting candidates to conducting interviews.
“In fact, one of the candidates shortlisted for the commission is Kalonzo Musyoka’s advisor, and this is fully within the candidate’s constitutional right,” he said.
Sifuna maintained that the selection panel is independent and should be allowed to complete its work without external interference.
“The panel should be allowed to independently execute its mandate without political interference or indeed any other interference. We view the accusation by a section of Azimio leaders as an attempt to pre-emptively discredit the panel and the outcome of the entire process,” he added.
On allegations that ODM is influencing the selection, Sifuna emphasized that the party has no authority over the process and is separate from the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“ODM is not in government. ODM is a distinct independent political party from the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, so when somebody makes an allegation, you have to ask them first what is the basis of that assertion,” he said.
He reiterated that ODM has no role in determining who becomes the next IEBC chair.
“The selection panel is supposed to work independently. They are not consulting ODM on who’s going to be the chair of IEBC. If that were the case, then we would call all those candidates here, but ODM is not on the panel. If we were consulted, we’d probably find a very good chairperson,” he remarked.
Sifuna insisted that ODM remains committed to ensuring the timely reconstitution of the electoral commission and will resist any attempts to derail the process.
“Kenyans have waited a very long time to have an electoral commission in place, and we will not counter any attempts to derail or delay that process,” he stressed.