Orange Democratic Movement, party leader, Raila Odinga, has responded to President William Ruto's move to suspend IEBC vice chairperson, Juliana Cherera, and three other commissioners. 

Speaking during a meeting with Nairobi grassroots leaders in Nairobi on Friday, December 2, Raila described the suspension as dictatorial and a conspiracy to rig the 2027 General Election. 

He reiterated that Azimio Coalition would not sit back and allow the government to remove the four commissioners from office. 

Azimio party leader addressing supporters in Homa Bay County on Friday, November 4, 2022.  RAILA ODINGA 

In addition, the former Prime Minister maintained that he would lead his supporters in public consultations forum beginning December 7 at the historical Kamukunji grounds. 

The ODM Leader further contested the proposed bill in Parliament seeking to amend the procedure of recruiting IEBC commissioners.  

“The events in Parliament yesterday on the formula of appointing IEBC commissioners and the hounding of the four commissioners have got nothing to do with integrity, but about 2027. Ruto wants to rig the 2027 election. We should not allow this to happen."

Azimio also revealed plans to hold a rally at the above-mentioned venue parallel to the national Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12. 

"On December 7, we will launch the public consultations forum at the historical Kamkunji grounds. And we will return to the same grounds on December 12 to continue with the consultations," Raila stated.

Raila's statement came shortly after President William Ruto announced the suspension of Cherera and commissioners Irene Masit, Francis Wanderi, and Justus Nyang'aya following a recommendation from the National Assembly. 

On Tuesday, November 30, Azimio la Umoja leaders resolved to postpone public consultations regarding the impeachment of the four dissenting commissioners citing the ongoing national examinations. 

However, it emerged that former President and Azimio Patron Uhuru Kenyatta had a hand in the decision to postpone the demonstrations.  

Wiper Party Chairman Chirau Ali Mwakwere also denounced plans to hold a parallel rally on Jamhuri Day in what he termed as a selfish move and threat to national peace. 

Azimio leader Raila Odinga arrives at the Kisumu International Airport on Sunday, November 27, 2022. By DENNIS NYAMBANE, Kenyans.co.ke