ODM threatens to resume anti-IEBC protests

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has threatened to resume its protests against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) if the commissioners do not vacate office by Friday, September 30, 2016.

Speaking in Kilgoris on Thursday, September 29, ODM chair, John Mbadi, pleaded with the party leader, Raila Odinga, to allow them to return to the streets in a bid to force the commissioners out.

“If by tomorrow, Friday, September 30, 2016 the commissioners will not have left office, I ask you baba (Raila) to allow us to return to the streets to force them out because that is the only language they understand,” he said.

A report made by Joint Parliamentary Select Committee recommended that the commissioners vacate office by September 30 to pave way for a new commission to take office.

There has been an impasse on the matter, however, as the commissioners demand severance package in order to leave office.

A meeting held on Wednesday, September 28 had resolved to allow time for the commissioners and the government to work on an amicable solution to the package standoff with both sides agreeing to defer the exit date beyond October 4 when the new Election (Amendment) Act comes to effect.

“The meeting was marked by a spirit of patriotism, mutuality and goodwill.  The IEBC delegation reiterated their undertaking to the nation to vacate from office as soon as possible, for the sake of the country,” Kiraithe stated.

“Both parties noted that the new Elections (Amendment) Act 2016 only takes effect on 4th of October, 2016 and the IEBC commissioners cannot resign before then.”

A meeting between the government and IEBC to agree on a tenable figure that was scheduled for Thursday, September 29 was postponed to Friday, “to accord the IEBC delegation more time to receive input from all commissioners”.

CORD leader, Raila Odinga, is among the leaders who have opposed the extended stay of IEBC commissioners saying their exit dates should be adhered to, as agreed by the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee.

@benjaminwafula