Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Abdi Guliye recently expressed his disappointment and concerns regarding the ongoing talks between President William Ruto and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga. In an interview, Guliye highlighted the potential impact of these talks on the integrity of the IEBC and the electoral process in Kenya.
Guliye emphasized that the extensive efforts put in by the IEBC, including deploying over 400,000 personnel during the 2022 general election, should be respected. He criticized the talks between Ruto and Raila, stating that they undermined the outcome of the election and mocked democracy itself.
The former commissioner also raised concerns about the increasing cost of elections in Kenya. With candidates challenging legitimate results after every cycle, Guliye questioned whether Kenyans truly desired competitive elections or if they preferred political elites deciding power-sharing agreements in backroom deals.
While the government and opposition have denied seeking a coalition government or power-sharing arrangement, Guliye suggested that these talks were aiming for precisely that outcome. He also aligned with former chairman Wafula Chebukati's claims that powerful government officials attempted to manipulate election results, further raising doubts about the credibility of the electoral process.
To ensure peace and stability after elections, Guliye proposed separating the presidential and county elections, which he believes would contribute to a more transparent and accountable process. This proposal to split the election serves as one of the key concerns that the opposition wants to address in the talks.
The talks between Ruto's team and Azimio, led by Kalonzo Musyoka and other prominent figures, have sparked intense debate and speculation about their intentions and potential outcomes. While some view these discussions as a way to find common ground and foster unity, others, like Guliye, fear that they may undermine the principles of democracy and the independence of the electoral process.
In conclusion, the concerns expressed by the former IEBC commissioner shed light on the potential implications and consequences of the Raila-Ruto talks. As Kenya moves towards reconstituting the electoral commission, it is crucial to address these concerns, ensure transparency, and safeguard the democratic values cherished by the nation.
