NEW DAWN as MPs approve Wafula Chebukati as IEBC chair

Members of Parliament have approved the nomination of lawyer Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati as the chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Mr Chebukati, who was nominated by President Uhuru Kenyatta over a fortnight ago, is now set for swearing-in by the Head of State after passing the Parliamentary test.

The MPs also approved the appointment of six other people as commissioners of the electoral body.

Once sworn in, Chebukati and the six commissioners, will take over from the Ahmed Issack Hassan-led team.

During the vetting process, Mr Chebukati came under sharp criticism for alleged negligence for allegedly failing to avail required documents and witnesses in a land case that had been filed against the County Government of Nairobi.

During the vetting process, by the Parliamentary Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), Chebukati also denied lobbying for the IEBC post after being picked by the President alongside six commission nominees.

The lawyer, however, pledged to deliver free, fair and credible elections in August if approved by the Members of Parliament for appointment.

Consolata Nkatha Bucha, Boya Molu, Dr Roselyn K. Akombe, Ambassador Paul Kurgat, Margaret Wanjala Mwachanya and Professor Abdi Guliye are the six commissioners who have been approved by the MPs.