No Reforms, No Election, NASA Maintains

Despite Tuesday’s talks with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) have maintained that they will not back down on their demands for electoral reforms before the fresh election is conducted.

Speaking moments after a meeting with IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati and other leaders on Tuesday, Siaya Senator James Orengo said that the commission was yet to appropriately respond to their demands, adding that they will continue to push for the changes.

He saud that IEBC must respond to the demands for the repeat election to be conducted. He said no election will be held if the irreducible minimums are not responded to.

“The Supreme Court didn’t rule elections must be held on 26th. We insist our irreducible minimums must be met for purposes of having an election, and in accordance with the Constitution,” Orengo said.

“The best that has happened is that we will have another meeting and expect Commission will respond substantially to issues raised. If we go the route set out by Commission, elections will be held within 60 days but it will not be held in accordance with the law,” Orengo pointed out.

On his part, Deputy President William Ruto said, unlike their opponents, Jubilee has not placed any demands before the IEBC, adding that they are ready for the new poll.

“I want to categorically state that we have assured the commission we have no conditions. We have no minimum conditions or minimum irreducible. We are ready for the election, next time we come here will be after the election to pick our certificates,” Ruto said at the Bomas of Kenya after a meeting with Chairman Wafula Chebukati and other officials.

On the proposed amendments to electoral laws, the Deputy President said that Parliament is an independent body and members of the house will do their duties as required by making and changing laws.