SUPKEM backs Ruto’s IEBC nominees, urges MPs to fast-track approval

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has declared its support for the recently nominated chairperson and commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In a statement issued on Monday, SUPKEM said it had “iron-clad confidence” in the Selection Panel’s recommendations and nominations by President William Ruto, urging MPs to expedite the approval process to avoid further delay in reconstituting the electoral body.

“As one of the institutions under the corporate umbrella of the Inter Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) who nominated members to serve on the Selection Panel, SUPKEM unreservedly supports the Selection Panel’s recommendations and the President” s nominations that are now before the National Assembly,” the statement read.

The remarks by SUPKEM’s come in the wake of criticism from a section of political leaders who have questioned the character and competence of the nominees, particularly the nominee for the chairperson position.

This is after Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka cited the failure by Ruto to consult different political groups, including the opposition, to ensure fairness and inclusivity, before making his choice.

The council, however, dismissed the attacks as premature and politically motivated stating any grievances should be raised during the parliamentary vetting process rather than through public disparagement.

“Some of the senior politicians now admonishing the President for announcing the nominees had their most competent representatives on the Selection Panel. So, unless they are saying that they don’t trust the contribution of their representatives on the Selection Panel, another round of consultations to agree on the persons already recruited by Selection Panel would only serve to open-up another round of unnecessary haggling and political horse-trading that would further delay the reconstitution of the IEBC,” SUPKEM stated.

Last week, President William Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new IEBC Chairperson, alongside six commissioners, among them Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, and Mary Karen Sorobit.

The other nominees are Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.