Kalonzo extends olive branch to IEBC commissioners

Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka has told Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners that they will have amnesty and full benefits if they voluntarily resign from their positions.

The Coalitions for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) co-Principal reiterated that the poll body, as currently constituted, is highly tainted and cannot conduct credible, free and fair elections and thus they should consider the offer and resign voluntarily.

The Wiper leader said Jubilee has not shown any intention of dialogue over the IEBC saga, referring to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s remarks recently that he is ready to give his input over the fate of the commissioners through Parliament.

Kalonzo said the offer only applies to only those commissioners who were not implicated in the ‘Chickengate scandal’ saying those implicated must pay for their mistakes.

“I want to extend an olive branch. If the commissioners resign, CORD will make sure that they will get their dues and they will not be prosecuted. They will have acted like statesmen and women” said Kalonzo.

He added: “But for those who were involved in the chicken gate scandal, they must pay for their mistake.”

Touching on President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tour to Ukambani, Kalonzo said it is clear that the President will not only be on a development tour but also vote hunting mission for his 2017 re-election bid.

He, however, clarified that the President is welcome to visit the region because Kenya has come of age politically.

“We welcome the President to Ukambani, we are aware he wants to take advantage of the visit to hunt for some votes. I will be making similar tours to Gatundu, Kiambu and other places,” stated the Wiper Leader.

President Kenyatta is expected to visit the region in a week’s time.

The Wiper Leader who was accompanied by Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior, MPs Rose Museo, Marcus Muluvi, Jassicah  Mbalu, Daniel Maanzo, Susan Musyoka and a host of MCAs was addressing wananchi during a harambee to purchase a school bus for Kitundu Day and Boarding Primary school in Kikima, Mbooni constituency on Friday.

For the past three weeks, CORD has staged demonstrations against the electoral body which they say is unfit to referee the 2017 General Election.

On Thursday, President Uhuru Kenyatta reiterated his earlier stand against holding a dialogue with the CORD to discuss the disbandment of IEBC.

In a meeting with stakeholders in the private sector at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta said that the Constitution does not allow him to effect the removal of IEBC commissioners, adding that CORD should use the right channel to seek their removal.

“I have spoken to MPs in government and the Opposition and they are ready to engage on issues of IEBC. I have prepared my own views and recommendations which I want to present. Let us follow laid down procedures,” said the President.

He lashed out at the Opposition coalition for holding weekly protests which have led to the disruption of businesses in Nairobi’s CBD, urging the private sector to meet CORD leaders and discuss their role in the future of the country’s economy.