In a significant ruling on Friday, December 13, 2024, the High Court declared the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Amendment Bill 2023 unconstitutional. The decision, made by Justice Lawrence Mugambi, comes amid ongoing efforts to restructure the electoral body, adding another obstacle to an already difficult process.
The Bill, which was signed into law by President William Ruto, proposed crucial reforms aimed at enhancing the operations and structure of the IEBC. One of the main changes included expanding the IEBC selection panel from seven to nine members. However, Justice Mugambi ruled that the legislation lacked proper public participation, a key requirement for constitutional amendments.
This ruling has set back plans to overhaul the IEBC, further complicating an issue that has already divided public opinion. "It’s a setback, but we remain committed to ensuring electoral integrity," commented an unnamed government official after the ruling.
In an unexpected twist, sources close to the government have claimed that they will seek to bypass the court ruling through executive orders, despite the clear legal limitations. This controversial move could spark fresh protests across the country, fueling political tensions once more.
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