IEBC should be given another chance to correct its past mistakes

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Whenever elections are called, everyone expects the process to be free and fair. It is incumbent upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), as the custodian of the laws governing elections, to ensure that everyone plays by the rules and that the outcome is credible. That is why the nullification of President Uhuru Kenyatta's August 8 election is an indictment on IEBC.

With a fresh presidential election slated for October 17, the question many are asking is if the same IEBC should be allowed to be the referee. The National Super Alliance has been calling for reconstitution of the agency but that may not be possible due to the strict timelines set for the next election. However, I believe everybody deserves a second chance because human beings make mistakes.

That is why I think the chairman, Wafula Chebukati, and his team should be allowed to conduct the fresh poll. This does not however mean we should overlook their mistakes, which will see the taxpayer fork out billions of shillings for another poll.

What is important is the willingness of IEBC bosses to correct their mistakes and allow the country to move forward. It also means IEBC should take the opportunity to ask Kenyans for forgiveness for failing to be diligent. Even the Supreme Court judges, in their ruling, noted that IEBC did not conduct the elections according to the law. In addition, the commission should allow scrutiny of their servers as ordered by the court, unless they have something to hide. Finally, the greatness of Kenya is in her people. Uhuru and Raila are duty-bound to ensure peace despite their differences. 

Mukurima Muriuki, MBS Conflict Resolution Group, California.