Nyando MP Fred Outa has dismissed calls by a section of politicians to have retired head of Anglican Church of Kenya Eliud Webukala take over as chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission once the current commissioners vacate office.
Outa said Kenyans should be given ample opportunity to make applications for the job and be appointed based on their credibility.
“We have Kenyans who have the capacity to lead the commission but this will only be found if we allow everyone with interest to tender an application,” he said.
He said the position should not be filled through hand picking noting that Kenyans would wish for a competitive process to have the best to lead IEBC.
Speaking in Kisumu during a press conference on Monday, the legislator said the country is yearning for a team that will offer a free, fair and credible election in 2017.
Outa said Webukala has built a strong personality as a Christian but the position should just be advertised.
However, he advised the retired cleric to keep off the job to protect his character he has built over the years.
“From the past commissions, I would like to ask the retired Bishop to keep off this job. The job will ruin his reputation,” he said.