NAIROBI, Kenya – A coalition of church leaders from Kenya’s Nyanza region has expressed alarm over the government’s delay in appointing new commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The clergy warned that the prolonged vacancy jeopardizes the integrity of Kenya’s electoral system as the country gears up for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking outside St. Stephen Cathedral in Kisumu on Monday, November 18, the religious leaders, led by Bishop David Kodia of the Anglican Church’s Bondo Diocese, called on President William Ruto’s administration to address the issue urgently.
They argued that the IEBC’s inability to operate at full capacity compromises its mandate to uphold free, fair, and credible elections.
Citing specific examples, the clergy highlighted how the absence of substantive IEBC commissioners has left some regions unrepresented in legislative bodies.
They pointed to Ugunja Constituency, where the seat remains vacant following MP Opiyo Wandayi’s appointment as Energy Cabinet Secretary.
“This is a crucial electoral agency. For how long will we stay without a fully functional IEBC, Mr. President? Many wards and constituencies are without representation in county and national assemblies. Where is electoral justice in this situation?” Bishop Kodia posed.
The leaders stressed that the commission’s vacancies risk eroding public trust in the electoral process, potentially leading to disputes and instability in future elections.
The clergy also raised fears that the delay creates opportunities for political manipulation, undermining the commission’s impartiality.
“The existing commissioners may be viewed as inadequate or unbalanced, which could erode confidence in election results and trigger a legitimacy crisis,” Bishop Kodia said.
Their concerns extend beyond electoral matters, as the church leaders accused the government of failing to prioritize the welfare of ordinary Kenyans.
Rev. Simon Onyango, representing Southern Nyanza, criticized what he termed as a “disconnect” between the government and the people, citing the heavy taxation burden and a lack of transparency in state appointments.
“We need a government that respects the dignity of Kenyans, listens to their voices, and keeps their well-being at the forefront,” Rev. Onyango said.
The group also demanded: a public report on all state appointments made since the creation of the “broad-based government,” disclosure of foreign travel expenses and an update on the status of the Office of the First and Second Ladies, which the President had pledged to abolish, a reversal of the new university funding model, which they described as discriminatory, and implementation of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for university lecturers to restore stability in higher education institutions.
The bishops underscored that their demands are motivated by a desire to protect Kenya’s democracy and ensure equitable governance.
“Our call is rooted in safeguarding the democratic process. We urge the President to expedite the appointment of IEBC commissioners and address the broader governance concerns affecting the nation,” Bishop Kodia stated.
The clergy warned that the prolonged vacancy jeopardizes the integrity of Kenya’s electoral system as the country gears up for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking outside St. Stephen Cathedral in Kisumu on Monday, November 18, the religious leaders, led by Bishop David Kodia of the Anglican Church’s Bondo Diocese, called on President William Ruto’s administration to address the issue urgently.
They argued that the IEBC’s inability to operate at full capacity compromises its mandate to uphold free, fair, and credible elections.
Citing specific examples, the clergy highlighted how the absence of substantive IEBC commissioners has left some regions unrepresented in legislative bodies.
They pointed to Ugunja Constituency, where the seat remains vacant following MP Opiyo Wandayi’s appointment as Energy Cabinet Secretary.
“This is a crucial electoral agency. For how long will we stay without a fully functional IEBC, Mr. President? Many wards and constituencies are without representation in county and national assemblies. Where is electoral justice in this situation?” Bishop Kodia posed.
The leaders stressed that the commission’s vacancies risk eroding public trust in the electoral process, potentially leading to disputes and instability in future elections.
The clergy also raised fears that the delay creates opportunities for political manipulation, undermining the commission’s impartiality.
“The existing commissioners may be viewed as inadequate or unbalanced, which could erode confidence in election results and trigger a legitimacy crisis,” Bishop Kodia said.
Their concerns extend beyond electoral matters, as the church leaders accused the government of failing to prioritize the welfare of ordinary Kenyans.
Rev. Simon Onyango, representing Southern Nyanza, criticized what he termed as a “disconnect” between the government and the people, citing the heavy taxation burden and a lack of transparency in state appointments.
“We need a government that respects the dignity of Kenyans, listens to their voices, and keeps their well-being at the forefront,” Rev. Onyango said.
The group also demanded: a public report on all state appointments made since the creation of the “broad-based government,” disclosure of foreign travel expenses and an update on the status of the Office of the First and Second Ladies, which the President had pledged to abolish, a reversal of the new university funding model, which they described as discriminatory, and implementation of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for university lecturers to restore stability in higher education institutions.
The bishops underscored that their demands are motivated by a desire to protect Kenya’s democracy and ensure equitable governance.
“Our call is rooted in safeguarding the democratic process. We urge the President to expedite the appointment of IEBC commissioners and address the broader governance concerns affecting the nation,” Bishop Kodia stated.
