National Assembly Minority Whip and Kathiani MP Robert Mbui has weighed in on what he considers a key factor in guaranteeing the proper management of elections in Kenya.

The matter of election management remains a sticking issue of public concern as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel continues its work re-constituting the body mandated with overseeing elections in Kenya. 

The panel led by kicked off the process after taking the oath of office on Monday, January 27, 2025, ahead of presenting names to the president.

Commenting on the topic during a live TV interview on Monday, February 24, 2025, Mbui expressed his sentiments on one of the antidotes to a problem that has dogged the conduct of elections in Kenya.

The MP cited a matter of controversy that surrounded a member of the panel in Koki Muli after Wiper and Jubilee clashed over her inclusion in the panel.

“It is vital we have political players keep away and don’t interfere with the IEBC. If they are skewed it questions the credibility of the whole process. Sometimes you can’t blame the political class for they are the only people who present themselves as candidates in an election.

“Let’s get credible people and get the interference from politicians out. You saw recent attempts from the Kenya Kwanza people who were seeking to bring people to represent us in Azimio,” he said.

The MP has further to make the most of the task led by and get a team capable of the elections.

“This time we have the opportunity to have the right IEBC in place,” Mbui said.

This comes after Moses Sunkuli, a member of the IEBC secretariat promised a transparent task.

Speaking during a past Moses Sunkuli expressed confidence in fast-tracking the working of the IEBC vital functions once the members are in place.

This is despite the commission facing tight timeframes and deadlines among other headwinds.

“The process of registering voters is the foundation of a credible election. This is where the election process starts. We have our programs and staff ready to undertake this process. We have done what we can do as the secretariat to prepare and as soon as we have the commissioners the process will start,” Sunkuli who is part of the secretariat said.

Meanwhile, Makanda said the selection panel has committed to fully constituting the electoral commission in 85 days.

“For the next 85 days or less, we, as the Selection Panel, have undertaken to ensure that we deliver on our mandate of giving Kenyans the next Chairperson and Members of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission,” Makanda said.  By Luke Oluoch, People Daily