Shadrack Nyakoe
Kenyans and the Bunge La Mwananchi social justice group can breathe a sigh of relief after the High Court lifted the injunction that had stalled the formation of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel. The ruling clears the way for the reconstitution of the IEBC, which has been in limbo since 2022.
The stalemate began after four IEBC commissioners resigned following an inquiry into their conduct during the 2022 presidential election. The delayed reconstitution process had raised concerns about potential disruptions to Kenya’s electoral framework.
Bunge La Mwananchi has been at the forefront of advocating for a swift resolution, urging the government to expedite the process and avoid jeopardizing preparations for future elections.
Speaking to journalists at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi on January 23, 2025, Bunge La Mwananchi President Francis Awino welcomed the court’s decision and criticized the political maneuvering that had delayed the process.
“Initially, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused the government of using proxies to block the formation of the IEBC. However, we later discovered that it was his proxies stalling the process. Today, we celebrate the withdrawal of the injunction, and we look forward to the formation of a new IEBC in readiness for the 2027 general election,” Awino stated.
With the legal hurdle removed, the government is now under pressure to expedite the establishment of the IEBC Selection Panel and ensure the electoral commission is fully operational ahead of the next elections.
