We will not dialogue on IEBC issue, Uhuru to CORD

By Benjamin Wafula, Citizen Digital

26 May 2016

President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated his earlier stand against holding a dialogue with the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) to discuss the disbandment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In a meeting with stakeholders in the private sector at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, President Kenyatta said that the Constitution does not allow him to effect the removal of IEBC commissioners adding that CORD should use the right channel to seek their removal.

He stated that Jubilee MPs are ready to engage their CORD counterparts on the issues of electoral reforms though adding that such talks should be held within the confines of the Constitution since any contravention may lead to protracted court battles.

“I have spoken to MPs in government and the opposition and they are ready to engage on issues of IEBC. I have prepared my own views and recommendations which I want to present. Let us follow laid down procedures,” said the President.

He lashed out at the Opposition coalition for holding weekly protests which have led to the disruption of businesses in Nairobi’s CBD urging the private sector to meet CORD leaders and discuss their role in the future of the country’s economy.

“You should engage the Opposition for them to incorporate your views in what they do,” the president noted.

He also called on political leaders to embrace peace ahead of the next election adding that any cases of incitement to violence will be detrimental to the country’s economic stability.

“Kenyans must now stand up and say enough is enough of this negative politics and that no one should be allowed to disrupt our business activities supportive of our development agenda.”

The meeting was also attended by Deputy President William Ruto, Deputy Chief Justice Kalpana Rawal and Cabinet Secretary for Industry, Trade and Cooperatives Adan Mohamed among other top government officials.

President Kenyatta’s pronouncement comes a day after CORD suspended its weekly protests to give room for dialogue over the IEBC issue.

In a press briefing Wednesday, Siaya Senator James Orengo said CORD is ready to hold talks with Jubilee and discuss the way forward regarding the apparent inability of the commission to hold a credible election in 2017.

CORD, however, said that the dialogue should be with the highest office (the presidency) and should not be organised by any Parliamentary committee.

Orengo said that they would, however, return to the streets if the government does not heed their call by June 5th, 2016.

CORD has accused IEBC commissioners of corruption in relation to the improper procurement of BVR kits in the run-up to the 2013 election and an apparent plan to rig the 2017 General Election in favour of President Uhuru Kenyatta, claims that the Issack Hassan-led commission has refuted.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and Speaker Justin Muturi have however insisted that there will be no shortcuts in the disbandment of the IEBC noting that any such discussions should be done through the Parliament’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.

President Kenyatta’s statement is set to relight CORD’s resilience in seeking the removal of IEBC commissioners through street protests with their probable move being the resumption of their Monday march to Anniversary Towers, which houses the electoral agency. @benjaminwafula