Hands off IEBC, Speaker Wetang’ula warns politicians

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has fired a warning shot at politicians, urging them to steer clear of meddling with the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Speaking on Sunday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, the Speaker urged leaders, especially younger politicians to stop making reckless remarks and political pronouncements targeting the Commission.

As such , he said, risks eroding the public confidence in the polls commission.

“The IEBC does not take instructions from anyone not even the President. Politicians should refrain from issuing public directives to the Commission. Let it do its work freely and fairly,” Wetang’ula said.

The Speaker emphasized that the IEBC is constitutionally mandated to operate independently, warning that undue political pressure could undermine its credibility ahead of critical assignments, including upcoming by-elections and a nationwide voter registration drive.

Wetang’ula revealed that the National Assembly stands ready to fast-track the approval of a supplementary budget to fund the voter registration exercise.

“Once the supplementary budget is tabled, MPs will expedite its passage so that the IEBC has the resources it needs to register voters across the country,” he assured.

The Speaker also rallied the youth to seize the opportunity created by President William Ruto’s recent directive easing requirements for obtaining national IDs, a move aimed at boosting voter registration among first-time voters.

“Our young people must come out in large numbers to register and shape the future of this nation,” he urged.

On national unity, Wetang’ula cautioned political leaders against using the race to State House to sow division.

“The pursuit of power must never come at the cost of our national cohesion. Let’s keep Kenya united,” he stressed.

His sentiments were echoed by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli and Kanduyi MP John Makali, who both called for restraint and respect for independent institutions.

“I call upon the church to pray for the unity of our country,” Senator Wakoli added.

The service was led by Rev. Father Protus Osianju, who also prayed for peace and good leadership in the country.