MPs to vet names of team to deliberate on electoral reforms

National Assembly majority Aden Duale.

Parliament is today expected to approve a Motion listing names of members of a joint select committee on the electoral agency.

The names will be tabled in both Houses by leaders of majority Aden Duale (National Assembly) and Kithure Kindiki (Senate), with a report expected within 30 days.

Legislators from the Jubilee coalition and the Opposition make up the reform team on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Monday, the Jubilee team leader Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi said his team was ready for the talks and to ensure they deliver on their mandate under the House standing orders.

"We are looking forward to the task ahead. Once Parliament has passed the Motion, we will embark on the issues and ensure we suggest to Parliament the reforms required to make our country get free, fair and credible elections next year," said Mr Murungi.

Others from the Jubilee side are Naomi Shaban (Taveta), Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North), Mohammud Mohammed (Mandera West), Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Beatrice Elachi (nominated).

Those from the CORD side are team leader Senator James Orengo (Siaya), Senator Johnstone Muthama (Machakos), Eseli Simiyu (Tongaren), Junet Mohammed (Suna East), Mishi Mboko (Mombasa) and Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior (Makueni).

The Opposition is expected to name a replacement for Hellen Sambili (Mogotio) who declined to sit in the team.

The approval of the names will provide a new angle to the IEBC saga that has seen CORD push for the exit of the commissioners on grounds that they lack the credibility to conduct  free and fair polls.

The reform team is expected to come up with terms of reference before embarking on its work. The IEBC secretariat will also be in the cross-hairs of the reform team, whose recommendations could have far-reaching implications on the architecture of the commission in the run-up to the 2017 General Election.

The Motion will be tabled even as the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee begins considering a petition for the removal of the IEBC commissioners from office.

The petition filed last week seeks the formation of a tribunal to investigate the embattled IEBC commissioners on grounds of integrity and incompetence.

It wants the National Assembly to interrogate and ascertain the grounds of the petition, pursuant to Article 251(2) of the Constitution.

It also seeks a resolution that there are enough grounds for the ouster.