Debate in IEBC committee over Railas remarks on commissioners

Debate in IEBC committee over Railas remarks on commissioners

Jubilee and CORD MPs in the joint parliamentary select committee on IEBC were on Monday engaged in a heated debate over remarks by CORD leader Raila Odinga during his tour of the Western region concerning the tenure of IEBC commissioners.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen was the first to throw jabs at Raila for claiming that he would not take part in the next elections with the current IEBC in charge.

Speaking during a tour of Western last week, Raila claimed that it was foolhardy for Issack Hassan to claim that he would handle the next elections after he was cleared by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over involvement in the chicken gate scandal.

Murkomen said: “Last week, the CORD leader was quoted severally speaking in Western saying he will not accept anything short of the exit of IEBC commissioners.”

Murkomen noted that despite not being a member of the committee, Raila was not just any other Kenyan and his sentiments carry weight and could affect the proceedings, remarks that were echoed by Jubilee’ chair in the committee and Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi.

Murkomen further called on the committee to seek a written concession from the CORD leader to show that he would support the process.

“Is it possible that the CORD coalition issues a statement that they support this process and that its leader issues a statement showing goodwill,” said Murkomen.

CORD members in the team – Suna East Junet Mohammed and Siaya Senator James Orengo – however defended Raila saying he is not a member of the committee and cannot be gagged.

“Raila has the freedom of expression. This motion talks about a final report, which we do not have yet

Orengo noted: “We either live by the rules or we don’t. The only spokesmen of the committee are the co-chairs.”

Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale stated that Murkomen’s concerns were only a propagation of the media saying he should table evidence regarding the same.

Kiraitu however deferred with his CORD counterparts saying Raila’s position as leader of CORD comes with a lot of influence.

“Raila is a key player in the politics of this country and I do not expect a leader who created this committee to be part of the team undermining it,” he said.

“As a committee we will engage with Raila Odinga, the president and the deputy president on this matter. When CORD and Jubilee appear before us on Wednesday we will seek their concurrence that they support this process.”

 

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