Unlock IEBC impasse, Gideon Moi tells parties

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi (right) with Baringo South Mp Grace Kipchoim during a church fundrasing at Kapkechir in Baringo south sub-county on June 12,2016. Senator Moi said IEBC needs a complete overhaul ahead of 2017 general elections. (PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH/ STANDARD)

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi has called on Jubilee and CORD to resolve the impasse on the electoral agency.

Gideon said President Uhuru Kenyatta had shown goodwill by calling for the setting up of a joint parliamentary committee and other issues raised by other parties should be addressed to allow Kenya to move on.

"We in KANU have been categorical that IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) as currently constituted must be reformed. We have seen efforts by various stakeholders towards this. Now is the time to unlock the stalemate and move on instead of putting the country on edge end," said Gideon.

The Baringo senator at the same time called on the Government to consider preparing a sendoff package for commissioners.

Speaking at Mochongoi in Baringo County on Sunday, the senator warned that the continued hardline stance by parties concerned was a cause for worry in the country as it heads to the next General Election.

"Leaders must agree on the best way forward to keep this country united. The hard-line positions taken at the moment are not good for the stability of the country," he said.

He called on the electoral commissioners to voluntarily relinquish their positions for the sake of the country.

"These people must hang up their boots and go home like gentlemen who love their country," he told residents of Kapkechir in Baringo South during a church function.

Gideon added it was for the country's benefit that IEBC is reformed to instill confidence in the electorate and end suspicions of plans to rig the August 2017 poll.

"This commission accepted to be remote-controlled by State operatives and bungled the Kericho senatorial by-elections and that is how Kenyans lost faith in them. Their image cannot be redeemed anymore. This beautiful country should not be allowed to burn because of a few individuals," he said.