By Willis Oketch
Prime Minister Raila Odinga says no former Electoral Commission of Kenya staff should preside over electoral reforms.
This comes a day after a row erupted over the composition of the team to spearhead the reforms.
Raila said former ECK staff were responsible for the electoral mess in 2007 and must be left out of the reform process.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga says no former Electoral Commission of Kenya staff should preside over electoral reforms.
"We must disband the ECK and those who were responsible for the mess, should not be allowed to preside over electoral reforms," he said.
The PM made the remarks as he joined thousands of Kenyans to usher in the New Year at Wild Waters Resort in Mombasa.
His wife Ida, Nominated MP Musa Sirma, Assistant Minister Ramadhan Kajembe, 12 councillors and his son Fidel, accompanied him.
"Since the ECK was responsible for what the country underwent after the last General Election, none of its employees should be retained in the transition," he said.
He was apparently referring to the move by Head of Civil Service Francis Mathaura to pick 38 ECK officials for the transition team.
Those believed to be back are former ECK Secretary Suleiman Chege, IT Manager Ayub Ambira and legal officer Jeremiah Keli.
Raila urged Kenyans to forget last year’s hardships and build a united country.
"Most Kenyans have shown they are patriotic and are working to ensure we are united," he said.