Two events — the untimely death of Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and the cancellation of a tender for the printing of presidential ballots — have to some degree cast a new light on the forthcoming elections.
Maj Gen Nkaissery’s link to the elections was that he was the pointman to ensure that security was maintained before, during and after voting. His proven leadership in matters security would have been critical in steering the country through what could well turn out to be a very divisive election.
Only a day before Nkaissery’s death, the High Court cancelled a tender for the printing of presidential ballots, throwing the electoral timetable into a spin. As both these events are in some way related to the forthcoming elections, the feeling of disquiet may be difficult to dispel for some.
Encouragingly, President Uhuru Kenyatta acted swiftly and appointed Dr Fred Matiang’i as the acting Interior CS. The stand-in minister will now be expected to take over the stewardship of this highly sensitive docket that is tasked with ensuring that security is maintained during the elections.
What is critical now is for Kenyans to remain focused as they prepare to vote in the August 8 election. But even as voters prepare to cast their ballots, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must restart the tender process.
Like the High Court judges quite correctly affirmed, the IEBC must work with other stakeholders to ensure there is public participation in the electoral process. And it is encouraging that the IEBC is already working towards this end, even as they contemplate an appeal.
For a smooth electoral process, the main stakeholders — Jubilee and opposition parties — must co-operate at some level. They all have a stake in ensuring free, fair, credible and violence-free elections.
These stakeholders, as well as us the voters, must guarantee that the next 29 days before the vote are without unnecessary tension and peace is maintained.
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