Kenya Democracy Is At Risk ;Us Warn
The United States has raised concerns over Kenya’s democracy, warning that its stability could be compromised due to the current state of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). In a statement issued by the US Embassy, the US highlighted Kenya’s democratic vulnerability, given that the IEBC lacks commissioners, less than three years ahead of the next general elections.
“The IEBC’s ability to uphold democracy in Kenya is at risk without an appointed board of commissioners or parliamentary action to fund voter registration, by-elections, and other electoral processes,” the US Embassy statement read.
This diplomatic signal follows a meeting between US Ambassador Meg Whitman and IEBC CEO Hussein Marjan at Nairobi’s Anniversary Towers, where they explored collaborative efforts to reinforce electoral processes. The IEBC has been operating in a limited capacity since the resignation of most commissioners following Kenya’s contentious 2022 presidential election, which has left it unable to oversee elections.
This vacancy has directly impacted areas like Mandera County’s Banisa Constituency, which has been without parliamentary representation since March 2023 due to the passing of MP Hassan Kullow. The IEBC’s ability to hold a by-election for the seat has been stalled by a lack of leadership.
The resignation of three IEBC commissioners in 2023—Chairman Wafula Chebukati, Abdi Guliye, and Boya Molu—followed an exodus of four other commissioners who stepped down after the tense 2022 presidential poll. Subsequently, Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024 has set in motion a process to fill these vacancies, with the new law empowering the IEBC chairman with control over the commission.
President William Ruto is expected to publish a gazette notice naming a nine-member selection panel to vet potential commissioners. However, with no fixed timeline, Kenya remains in a precarious position as it awaits the next steps to fully restore IEBC’s capabilities.
The US is particularly concerned given its ongoing partnership with Kenya on electoral reforms. During President Ruto’s visit to the US in May 2024, the White House announced a KSh190 million ($1.5 million) commitment to bolster democratic institutions in Kenya. The funding is designated to support the IEBC and strengthen political party capacities, underscoring the US’s vested interest in safeguarding Kenya’s democracy.
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Kenya Democracy Is At Risk ;Us Warn
