Audit IEBC bosses' lifestyles, says Martha Karua

NARC Kenya Leader Martha Karua (right) with her lawyer Gitobu Imanyara address a press conference at the Party's headquarters in the past. (Photo: Boniface Okendo)

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua wants a lifestyle audit of commissioners and staff of the electoral agency before next general elections are held.

The former Gichugu MP believes this will set the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on a path towards regaining public confidence.

Ms Karua said the audit would help validate IEBC's proposed budget and guard against exaggerated costs which are a manifestation of corruption and a threat to free and fair elections.

"We believe adequate funding is necessary for a successful electoral process. However, the integrity of the process is not determined by how much money political parties spend but by good planning and execution," the former Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister said in a statement.

Karua, who contested the presidency in 2013, believes IEBC's intention to buy new electronic voter kits has come rather late in the day, adding that the electoral agency should avoid last-minute procurements that are often hurried, as was the case in 2013.

"The commission should consider conducting a demonstration of the electronic kits before the elections to build confidence in the system," she said. Karua said IEBC should address emerging concerns with regard to registration of voters, including diaspora registration and voting, as well as the maintenance of the voter Register.