The constituency of Banissa remains without a representative in the National Assembly following the death of MP Hassan Kullow in March 2023. The situation has been exacerbated by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) inability to hold a by-election due to a lack of commissioners, following the retirement of the Wafula Chebukati-led team.
The recruitment of new IEBC officials has been stalled as parliament has yet to establish a procedure for their appointment. This impasse has left Banissa residents feeling disenfranchised and disadvantaged, as critical constituency needs remain unmet.
Abdi Bare, a concerned constituent from Banissa, has called on the National Assembly to expedite the recruitment process, highlighting the severe impact of the lack of representation.
“Last year, we were adversely affected by El Niño rains, but there was no one to table our plea in parliament. We want a representative,” he said. Bare emphasized that children from humble backgrounds, who rely on the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) for bursaries, continue to suffer and miss classes due to the leadership vacuum.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif echoed these concerns, underscoring the struggles and unmet needs of Banissa’s residents. “Due to the lack of IEBC commissioners, this constituency has no representation. It is very unfair. Banissa is a worried community because there are programs to be implemented by the CDF, and unfortunately, we have had no MP for 12 months,” he stated.
Governor Khalif appealed to the government to expedite the constitution of the IEBC to ensure that the people of Banissa are adequately represented. He urged President William Ruto to implore parliament to resolve the selection panel hiatus and facilitate the appointment of new commissioners.
Recently, speaking at a public forum also attended by other political leaders including Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka at Ufungamano House, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi termed the inability of Banissa Constituency residents to have a by-election a year after the demise of their MP as unacceptable.
“I thought that those in power would be moved by the situation in Banissa and solve the problem at the IEBC as soon as possible,” said Wandayi.
He wants parliament to now place its focus on the reconstitution of the IEBC as outlined in the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report.
The residents of Banissa continue to await a resolution, hoping for swift governmental action to restore their voice in the National Assembly and address their critical needs.
