Why the current IEBC commissioners must vacate office

It remains a given fact that the current IEBC, as it is, cannot conduct a free and fair general election come next year. Even if there were intentions and plans initially to carry out credible elections, the trust of a faction of Kenyans is fast fading out. The integrity of the commissioners has failed the test of Kenyans.

That some stakeholders are accusing IEBC of impartiality is a strong reason to have the commissioners resign and the electoral body reformed. Basing on the responses that IEBC commissioners- including the chairman- have been giving lately on whether to vacate or not, it is clear that the matter is now personal.

The commissioners have clearly developed a negative perception of CORD and others calling for their removal. In fact, they consider them personal enemies as they threaten their jobs. Consequently, it is very likely that they will express the same animosity come next year.

The government’s hard stand regarding the IEBC stand-off may indicate the biasness that CORD and others are accusing the government. Insisting that the ‘right channel’ should be used amounts to stating that protests are against the constitution. Giving a chance for dialogue may save the nation a critical time as this one.

With dialogue, the commissioners can also negotiate their send-off and pave way for the creation of a new commission. This will not only save their image, but will also save the nation from the escalation of violence. Kenyans need peace. A fair, transparent and credible election is the only way to ensure that Kenyans get the peace they deserve in 2017.