PRESIDENT RUTO SIGNS IEBC BILL TO LAW AT KICC
President William Ruto signed the IEBC Amendment Bill of 2024 into law today at KICC in Nairobi. In his remarks at the event, Ruto emphasized his administration’s strong support for the new electoral laws, especially the recommendations from NADCO which are pivotal for the upcoming processes.
“Moving forward, it is crucial that we see the Senate’s active role in this process, particularly as we establish a selection panel to recruit new IEBC commissioners. I am fully committed to ensuring its success,” stated the Head of State on Tuesday.
The Bill, now passed by Parliament, incorporates the recommendations of the NADCO report and signifies extensive bipartisan effort across political divides.
President Ruto also urged Parliament to expedite the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Bill, which is essential for empowering the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate government officials.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, present at the event, called on young people to refrain from anti-government demonstrations and instead engage constructively. “The Kenya Kwanza administration is ready to engage in dialogue with the youth and address their concerns. We are willing to listen to them,” he said.
ODM leader Raila Odinga defended the NDC and urged President Ruto to fully implement the NADCO (National Democratic Consultative Conference) report, expressing confidence that it would resolve Kenya’s electoral challenges. Odinga also supported an amendment to criminalize defamation of the electoral body.
During the event, ODM party Deputy Leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya criticized the erection of roadblocks as a means to force dialogue with the president, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution of political issues.
Key leaders including Attorney-General Justin Muturi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, and other senior officials attended the event, sharing their perspectives on the legislative developments.
