Kalonzo calls for thorough vetting of IEBC chair nominees

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for a thorough vetting of the individuals who have been shortlisted to head the country’s electoral body.

Speaking Saturday during the 10th anniversary of the late Justice Kasanga Mulwa at his home in Lukenya Hills in Machakos County, Kalonzo said Kenyans were looking up to a general election that will reflect the will of the people through transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

“We have seen some shortlisted names published to fill the vacancy in IEBC. Our urge is, and we want to ask GenZ to vet them. Here is a matter of integrity. We are not going to allow a situation where through another IEBC we end up with another messed up election,” said Kalonzo.

Among those shortlisted to succeed the former chairperson of IEBC include former registrar of Judiciary Anne Amadi, former Chairman of the Commission of the Implementation of the Constitution (CiC) Charles Nyachae and Kenya Power board chairperson Joy Brenda Mdivo.

Kalonzo challenged President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga to implement the call for an audit of the 2022 general election as recommended in the National Dialogue Committee report.

“They should now open the servers because that is what they asked me to go and do. If they open the servers, the truth will be known,” he said.

Kalonzo said the new electoral body must rise above reproach and deliver to Kenyans a credible election come 2027.

“Now we will have a new dawn in our country which is going to be led transparently, and Kenyans will call a spade a spade and the freedoms guaranteed under our new constitution, nobody can threaten anyone.” Said Kalonzo.

At the same time, the wiper leader declared he will rally Kenyans to mark a national holiday on June 25th to celebrate the rebirth of the Kenyan nation adding the Kenyans were against abductions and extra-judicial killings.

The Wiper party leader also laughed off rumors that he had been warming up to join President Ruto and Raila in the government.

“There is no looking back. We are riding on the pride expressed by a man like the late Justice Kasanga Mulwa. I cannot afford to let Kenyans down. Those saying I have gone to see Ruto are daydreaming," he said.

Adding, "The only time I will have a proper engagement with William Ruto is when he will be handing over the instruments of power because it will be his responsibility to do what (retired president) Uhuru Kenyatta did,” 

A distinguished politician cum lawyer, the late Kasanga succumbed to illness on March 16, 2015, aged 77 years.