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In about four weeks, Kenya will go back to the ballot for a fresh presidential poll thanks to National Super Alliance, NASA, who won the presidential election petition leading to the nullification of presidential results.
But how prepared is the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, IEBC, for such a spirited task? In the midst of this uncertainty, Anne Wanyoike, a
In the midst of this uncertainty, Anne Wanyoike, a fourth-year student at Daystar University is ready to cast her vote despite her deteriorating trust in IEBC. “Although I did not vote on August 8th, I am ready to cast my vote come October 17th,” Anne stated. Initially, she did not see the importance of her vote.
On the contrary, Stephanie Odhiambo, also a student at Daystar University, believes IEBC should be given a second chance to redeem itself and clean up the mess. “Despite the internal bickering which is affecting the commission, it deserves a chance to prove to Kenyans, just like the Supreme Court, that it can fully operate like an independent body it ought to be,” Stephanie said.
Both Anne’s and Stephanie’s opinions come at a critical time when voter apathy amongst Kenyan youth is at its best.
Nevertheless, IEBC seems ready and focused to deliver credible repeat presidential elections.
After their retreat in Naivasha, which was meant to solve the internal wrangles and settle scores, the chairman, Mr Wafula Chebukati promised Kenyans that they had agreed to work as a team. “It was very evident that this retreat was necessary. It helped to clarify issues of concern and we are now better off than when we came here,” Chebukati told the press.
The clock is ticking.
It is now a matter of time for IEBC to prove to Kenyans that they are not a toothless dog, rather, an independent body that is ready to respect the will of the people.