Numerous MPs face potential recall following President William Ruto’s approval of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) bill. This move comes after pressure from the Gen Z population to overhaul the commission, threatening nationwide occupation of electoral offices if demands were not met.
The legislation, crafted by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), aims to reform the electoral management system and facilitate the appointment of new IEBC commissioners.
Said Ruto: “The IEBC remains a cornerstone of our democracy responsible for overseeing regular elections at various levels ensuring that our electoral cycle is managed transparently and administered in an impartial neutral, efficient, accurate and accountable manner.”
The recent events have caused widespread concern among MPs, especially those who supported the Finance Bill, only for President Ruto to withhold his assent following protests led by Gen Z activists. In the aftermath of the contentious vote, several lawmakers faced severe backlash from their constituents, resulting in property damage and vandalism.
Molo MP Kuria Kimani, who chairs the Finance Committee, saw his residence in Treasure Island Estate Molo invaded, with vehicles destroyed, his home stoned, broken into, and furniture extensively damaged. Kieni MP Njoroge Wainana experienced similar unrest, with his supermarket in Nyeri town and two other locations in Naromoru and Nanyuki burnt down and looted, leading to estimated losses of Sh500 million.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, a close ally of the president, faced repercussions as well, with his Timba XO Club in Eldoret looted and valuables stolen. Additionally, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa of Kikuyu constituency had angry protestors set fire to the NG-CDF offices, while Igembe South MP Paul Mwirigi’s office was also targeted and set ablaze.
In Suba South constituency, the UDA office, represented by Caroli Omondi, was set on fire, and in the coastal region, protestors vandalized the homes of Mwatate MP Peter Shake.
Narok North MP Agnes Pareiyo faced physical attack during a constituency tour, where her motorcade was stoned by an angry crowd accusing her of betraying their trust with her “Yes” vote. In response to the public outcry, several MPs have issued apologies.
Turkana Central MP Joseph Namuar publicly asked for forgiveness from his constituents for his affirmative vote. Nakuru East MP David Gikaria went a step further by having his wife wear branded T-shirts bearing the words “I am sorry please forgive me,” as a public display of apology. Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto also apologized to his constituents for supporting the contentious bill, acknowledging their dissatisfaction.
Said Wandeto: “You reached out to me in various ways and made your stand clear regarding the finance bill 2024. This time I fell short of your expectations. I Want to assure you that your voice, the voice of the people of Tetu, will always be my guiding light.”
Keiyo South Gideon Kimaiyo on his part promised to listen to the people more going forward.
He said: “I apologize to all Keiyo South people for voting YES to the Finance Bill…going into the future I promise to listen more to sauti ya mwananchi.”
Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere on the other hand admitted to having fallen short of her constituents’ expectations while Matungu MP Oscar Nabulindo also apologized for not listening to the people more.
Said Korere: “As for my Laikipia North constituents, please accept my profound apologies for voting against your expectations. Accept my humble apologies.”
Added Nabulindo: “I take this opportunity to cancel and withdraw my yes vote. I am going to tell the Speaker to remove my name from the list of Yes and put it on the No list of rejecting the Finance Bill.”
In response to the backlash from Gen Z and public discontent over MPs who supported the controversial Finance Bill, Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced plans to initiate recall processes against several lawmakers.
ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna stated that the party intends to recall MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Emanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Memusi Kanchory (Kajiado Central), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), and Caroli Omondi (Suba South) for their affirmative votes on the bill. Sifuna emphasized that this action aims to set an example against such behaviors among party members.
When asked why other ODM MPs who also supported the bill were not included in the recall list, such as Nabulindo, Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), Guyo Ali Wario (Garsen), Adow Mohammed (Wajir South), Abdikadir Hussein (Lagdera), and Umulkher Harun Abdi (nominated), Sifuna cited them as “repeat offenders.”
According to electoral regulations, initiating a recall process requires a registered voter in the constituency to file a petition with the electoral commission, supported by signatures from at least 30% of the voters in the constituency and 15% of the voters in each ward.
Said Sifuna: “These are repeat offenders who voted against the wishes of the people in 2023 and 2024, there are a few who met their Damascus moment. We have started with the six so that it serves as a lesson to the rest.”
