Monday, February 23, 2009

WE ARE SORRY ABOUT IIEC NOMINEES, SAY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

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THE STANDARD
NAIROBI, KENYA
By Standard Team

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitution Review says it regrets the nomination of Mr Suleiman Buko as Coast Province representative.

Chairman Abdikadir Abdi said the committee was not aware Buko worked as a deputy returning officer in Garsen constituency.

Abdikadir Abdi

Speaking to The Standard, Mr Abdi challenged those with evidence challenging nomination of commissioners to forward them to the PSC.

At the same time, Prime Minister Raila Odinga now wants the PSC to nominate members to the proposed electoral body afresh.

The PM spoke as the PSC chairman hinted that the list of proposed IIEC members rejected by Parliament last week could be amended.

Raila urged members of the PSC to do their best to give Kenyans a commission that could be relied on.

"The electoral team we set up must comprise people of integrity and supportive to reforms, democracy and good governance. They should be men and women ready to pay any price to defend their integrity and that of their institutions," Raila said.

Meanwhile, there was intense lobbying for nominations to the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) ahead of today’s meeting of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional Review.

MPs said they wanted a credible team that would enjoy Kenyans’ confidence. Several MPs expressed disappointment with the nominations and last week’s disagreement among select committee members, saying they flouted parliamentary practice.

ODM Secretary-General and Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o said coalition partners and parties in Parliament must agree on the list at a Kamukunji before it is tabled.

Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale supported the idea, saying: "We need three names for each position, which can be vetted ahead of tabling."

Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara warned of a pending Motion seeking to disband the Abdikadir Abdi-led PSC and reconstitute a new one within seven says.

Nominated MP Musa Sirma said a flawed IIEC would court violence.

"We do not want election officials seconded by a few individuals forced on us. That was why we disbanded the Electoral Commission of Kenya. We must build consensus," said Sirma.

Nominated MP Musikari Kombo urged MPs to respect the work of committees created by Parliament.

"Kenyans are beginning to ask whether their taxes should finance Parliamentary committees, whose work is rubbished by the House," Kombo said.

Mr Imanyara said PSC have options of removing contentious names, replacing the entire list or returning it after seeking consensus. The PSC is mandated to nominate a chairman and eight commissioners from each province.

By David Ohito, Isaac Ongiri and Peter Orengo

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