IEBC’s Issack Hassan told to leave office before 2017

IEBC Chairman Issack Hassan. PHOTO: STANDARD/FILE

The electoral commission Chairman Issack Hassan yesterday braved intense resignation calls from political players.

Mr Hassan was told to his face that his team had to leave office before the 2017 polls.

Civil organisations and political parties told commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that they had to leave office as the majority of Kenyans had lost confidence in them.

Speakers during the launch of the Kura Yangu, Sauti Yangu initiative attended by Hassan said the issue was not about the law, but the perception of the public on the commission's ability to handle next year's polls.

The initiative was organised by the Kenya Human Rights Commission.

As pressure for the commission to vacate office mounts, CORD yesterday confirmed that it would today storm the commission's offices.

Lawyer Paul Muite, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and Kisumu Senator Anyang' Nyong'o said it was time the commissioners voluntarily resigned.

Defending the commission, Hassan said it was ready for dialogue with any political party, but in an organised manner.

He told political players to stop focusing so much on what happened in 2013 but to engage in preparations for the 2017 polls.

"I do urge that we have a civil engagement. Leaders should also have the humility to listen to others. You may not know what I am going through," Hassan said, adding that there was need to strengthen all electoral institutions like the Judiciary and the police.

"You cannot just eject people from their offices," he said.