Wiper says no to IEBC handling party nominations

Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) has rejected a proposal by Jubilee leaders to involve the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in party nominations.

The party chairman, David Musila, said that they would not submit their nomination process to be handled by the electoral agency saying they would instead embrace an internal body.

The Kitui Senator said that the yet to be formed commission would have its hands full preparing for the General Election due to the limited time they have, saying adding the nomination role would be overstretching the electoral body.

He assured aspirants that the process would be free and fair saying everyone has the green light to express his or her aspirations for any political position.

In a bid to dispel any doubts, Musila said that party members would be involved in the selection of an election board that would oversee the party nominations.

Last week, Jubilee party leader President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto said they would allow IEBC to handle their nominations, calling on Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) to do the same.

The President said that giving IEBC the mandate would ensure transparency in the process that has in the past been marred by claims of favouritism, party fallouts and defections.

In the run up to the 2013 elections, several members defected from their parties after failing to clinch nominations.

In Nairobi, Jimnah Mbaru defected to Alliance Party of Kenya (APK) after failing to clinch TNA nomination ticket for the governorship seat which was won by Ferdinand Waititu.

In ODM, fallout ensued after Margaret Wanjiru who was running for the governorship seat was sidestepped in favour of the current governor Evans Kidero.

Wanjiru has since defected from ODM and joined Jubilee.

The Senator was speaking at the Women’s Sacco fundraiser in Kyuso, Mwingi North constituency. The event was also attended by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Kitui Deputy Governor Penninah Malonza, and several MPs from the Ukambani region.

@benjaminwafula