KENYA: “Your integrity should be beyond reproach,” IEBC selection panel told
By Franc Mwangi, Waumini Communications KCCB
The nominees for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel have been urged to discharge their duties with integrity in order to give Kenyans a credible electoral body.
While expressing confidence and trust in the nine members at Ufungamano during a prayer meeting, religious leaders and civil society actors under the auspices of the Multi-Sectoral Forum (MSF) reminded the nine nominees that the future of elections in Kenya hinges on the critical decisions they are going to make during the vetting process. “We congratulate you on your selection and appreciate the mammoth task before you. We trust in your ability and dedication for the service to our nation through this crucial exercise. We are fully behind you and we shall continue to accord you the necessary support to ensure that the selection process is carried out seamlessly to the honour of God and all Kenyans” said Sheikh Adan Wachu, Chairman Inter-Religious Council of Kenya.
Catholic Bishop Alfred Rotich underlined the high expectations on the panel “Kenyans expect that this team will be truthful honest and courageous to the course, we know that integrity comes from God and if they rely on the help of God, certainly they should be able to discharge the mandate bestowed on them” said Bishop Rotich.
The nine who include the nominees representing religious groups Mrs. Bernadette Musundi, Rev. Canon Peter Karanja, Prof. Abdulghafur El-Busaidy, Bishop (Dr.) David Oginde and Mr. Rajesh Rawal and the nominees of the Parliamentary Service Commission, Evans Monari, Mary Karen Kigen-Sorobit, Rtd Justice Tom Mbaluto and Ogla Chepkemoi Karani, further received the backing from the civil society actors. “We wish you well and we will continue to support you. We hope you will give us IEBC commissioners of integrity in public service who have the courage to resist the allure of corruption” said Suba Churchill from the Civil Society Reference Group.
In appreciating the role played by the church in spearheading the electoral reforms ahead of 2017 general elections, Churchill compared the critical role played by the church to the past struggles of democratic reforms in Kenya “In 1997, we were convened by Bishop Philip Sulumeti at Safari Park Hotel, as we were negotiating the Constitution of Kenya Review Act and once again you men and women of God have been called upon to provide leadership in a process that will move this country forward which is a manifestation of the hope that society places on you” he affirmed.
On behalf of the Multi-Sectoral Forum, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Deputy General Secretary Fr. Lucas Ong’esa reaffirmed the commitment of the group in supporting the process of selecting a credible IEBC team “We will continue to journey with you not only in prayers, but as a technical team, we will be ready and available to provide advice, and any other materials that you may need in your work, so feel free to consult us” said Fr. Ong’esa
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