Kenya Kwanza Poised to Appoint Audit Panel Members Within 24 Hours

Kenya Kwanza has 24 hours to nominate three candidates for the Election Audit panel as outlined in the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.

This report, championed by National Assembly Majority Leader and NADCO Co-Chairperson Kimani Ichung’wah was sanctioned by Parliament on February 22. According to the report, both the Minority and Majority factions were mandated to select three individuals each within three weeks of the report’s approval. With the clock ticking, Kenya Kwanza finds itself racing against time to meet the deadline.

The Azimio coalition led by National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi has already taken proactive steps by submitting their nominees to the National Assembly Speaker. In a statement on Monday, Wandayi asserted their readiness by stating, “I have sent a letter to the Speaker today, providing the names of the three individuals who will represent us on the panel.”

On the Azimio front, Wandayi has announced the leadership of Amos Wako over a team of three for the Election Audit panel. Alongside Wako, the team comprises former nominated Senator Judith Pareno and Forensic Investigator Julius Njiriani. The composition of the panel, totaling six members, is crucial as they will collaboratively select a reputable firm or consortium of firms to execute the evaluation of the 2022 electoral process. However, should consensus on the joint appointment of a firm prove elusive, each side of the panel will independently select a reputable firm for the task.

Subsequently, the two chosen firms will coordinate the evaluation process. Once the audit is concluded, the panel will submit a comprehensive report to parliament detailing their findings. Furthermore, the NADCO report underscores the need to amend the Election Act to address crucial aspects such as the scope of evaluation, financing, and reporting. These amendments aim to enhance the electoral process and ensure transparency and accountability in future elections.