Kakamega-At a quiet funeral in rural Kakamega, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi issued a loud political message: stop playing games with democracy.
Speaking at the burial of Mzee Mwalimu William Lumati in Malava Constituency, Mudavadi warned that continued delays in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) were eroding the country’s electoral stability.
“This is no longer just a legal matter,” he said. “It’s a matter of Kenyans being denied their right to vote, to have leaders represent them. We’re hurting the very foundation of our democracy.”
Legal Deadlock
His comments come a day after the High Court halted the planned vetting of IEBC nominees, citing legal questions surrounding the nomination process. Petitioners argue the President and selection panel may have flouted constitutional requirements.
But Mudavadi, who also serves as Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, dismissed claims of secrecy or bias.
“These interviews were public. Kenyans watched them live. Everyone saw who did well and who didn’t,” he said.
He added that Parliament had opened the process for public scrutiny, calling for any material evidence against the shortlisted candidates. “If there’s a genuine concern, bring it forward. But dragging this through the courts again and again only delays the inevitable.”
Fear of Elections?
The Prime CS did not mince words. He accused unnamed political actors of intentionally stalling the process to avoid elections.
“There are people clearly afraid of the ballot,” he said. “They were in court the first time, then we had dialogue. Now they’re back in court. It’s become a cycle of delay.”
Mudavadi took aim at the idea that the IEBC should reflect every Kenyan community, saying such expectations were impractical and legally unfounded.
“You can’t have a commission with representatives from all 43 tribes. The Constitution doesn’t allow it,” he said. “Let’s stop using diversity as a smokescreen for political fear.”
Broken Representation
As the IEBC row drags on, some constituencies and wards remain without elected leaders. Mudavadi stressed the urgency of holding by-elections in these areas.
“People are going without representation. It’s not right,” he said. “We’ve had counties lose senators. Voters in those areas deserve a voice.”
His message was blunt: “Let the IEBC be reconstituted. Let it do its job. This is about development. It’s about leadership. Malava deserves a new MP. Others do too.”
Constitutional Process
The IEBC is restructured under Article 250 of the Constitution and the IEBC Act. It requires a chairperson qualified to serve as a Supreme Court judge and six commissioners. A selection panel vets nominees before forwarding them to the President and Parliament.
The panel’s latest recommendations are now on hold, pending court decisions. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on electoral timelines for 2027.
Political Stakes Rising
Mudavadi’s remarks reflect growing unease in government over judicial involvement in political processes. But legal experts warn that adherence to the Constitution must come first.
“There’s a fine line between due process and political interference,” said constitutional lawyer Mercy Wanjiku. “The courts must remain independent, but Parliament and the Executive must also act in good faith.”
As Kenya edges closer to another general election, the urgency to resolve the IEBC impasse is becoming clearer.
For now, Mudavadi’s call is as much a warning as it is a plea: stop fearing elections and start preparing for them.
