The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has lauded the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) for suspending the anti-IEBC protests to give dialogue a chance.
However, the commission has accused Cord of anarchy, insisting that any dialogue on the issue of removal of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission commissioners, or disbandment of the commission, must be guided by the Constitution.
In a statement sent to newsrooms on Thursday, KNCHR said Cord has failed to petition the National Assembly with substantive justification for the removal of IEBC.
“Cord has continually asserted for some time now that, as currently constituted, the IEBC is incapable of conducting the next general elections. They have therefore, embarked on a sustained campaign of street protests and demonstrations to force the IEBC commissioners out of office,” read part of the statement.
KNCHR further said that the coalition has failed to make it clear whether they are targeting specific individuals or all the commissioners.
“Exerting pressure to remove persons who were properly appointed to constitutional offices is a move that undermines constitutionalism and the rule of law; a blueprint for anarchy.”
The commission told Cord to follow the procedures for appointment and removal of Constitutional Commissions and independent offices as outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
This comes as President Uhuru Kenyatta insists that he has no powers to disband IEBC, adding that Cord must follow the laid down procedures in their quest to have the commissioners removed from office.
“I have spoken to MPs in government and the opposition and they are ready to engage on issues of IEBC. I have prepared my own views and recommendations which I want to present. Let us follow laid down procedures,” said Kenyatta, in a meeting with stakeholders in the private sector at State House on Thursday.