The Independent Electoral ad Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is accusing President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration of meddling in the affairs of the electoral body, less than a year before the next general elections.
The commission has taken on the government, over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ move to have a state agent monitor and oversee IEBC’s financial engagement with foreign bodies and agencies.
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In a September 17th letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati tells Foreign Affairs PS Amb. Macharia Kamau the move by the government has triggered a cash crisis in the electoral body.
”The commission is not accountable to a government ministry or state department but Parliament, and it enjoys varying degrees of financial autonomy and accountability. We reiterate the commission’s independence in the performance of its functions, which shall not be subject to the control of any authority as envisaged in the Constitution,” letter by Wafula Chebukati reads in part while asking President Uhuru not to plant a government agent in the commission, in the name of a liaison officer since IEBC submits to the President and the speakers of Parliament reports annually.
”This report details the commission’s functions, performance on its activities, affairs, and financial statements. Of importance is that the commission reports its engagement with development partners and donors,” Chebukati says.
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In a July letter to its diplomats, the government through Foreign Affairs CS Rachel Omamo asked embassies, missions, and foreign entities seeking to finance next year’s elections to wait.
“Kenya is cognisant of recently orchestrated events and experiences meant to interfere and sometimes lead to skewed national election outcomes globally,” the letter read in part.
