Opposition insists IEBC must be disbanded

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga has maintained that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must be disbanded.

Speaking in Garissa County, Raila said that even though he was involved in the appointment of Ahmed Issack Hassan as IEBC chairman, it does not mean he is not allowed to criticize him.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula also reiterated the need to dialogue on IEBC stalemate.

Speaking during the burial of former Minister for Housing Soita Shitanda,Wetangula said dialogue should be given a chance so that the country can forge ahead with its development agenda.

ANC leader Musali Mudavadi said there is need for transparency in matters concerning the nation.

This comes just a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta dashed hopes of talks with the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) on disbandment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) saying he will not allow unconstitutional changes to the electoral body.

Speaking during the 14th National Prayer Breakfast, the President ruled out proposals by CORD to hold talks on the disbandment of IEBC reiterating that the push by opposition should be done within the confines of the Constitution.

“On this issue of the IEBC, God gave us a way forward when He helped us put a new Constitution in place. God has done His part, it is now for us Kenyans to do our part. Mungu ako na kazi mingi sana ya kufanya na tunaendelea kumuomba atufanyie. Lakini hii ya IEBC Mungu amemaliza, someni katiba, na hakuna mambo mengine (God has a lot of work and we will continue praying to him to help us. On this IEBC issue, God has done all we needed, read the Constitution, nothing more). That’s the way it shall be,” stated the President.

CORD responded by saying they will resume weekly anti-IEBC protests on Monday.

In a letter by CORD Secretariat Chief Executive Officer Norman Magaya, the opposition coalition notified Nairobi City County Commander Japheth Koome of a planned peaceful demonstration to call for the removal of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials.