Deputy President Willliam Ruto has told off critics of IEBC selection Panel who are questioning the appointment of Wafula Chebukati as the nominee for the position of IEBC Chairperson.

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Speaking when he hosted political delegation from Kakamega County, Ruto said the opposition was well represented in the selection panel and should, therefore, respect the outcome of the interviews.

The new nominees of the electoral body are expected to be vetted by National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs committee next week before being approved or rejected by the house.

Jubilee’s top organs have come out to defend the interviewing process carried out by the Bernadette Musundi led panel. The deputy president said leaders should stop looking at the new commissioners from tribal perspectives but as professionals.

The opposition has queried Chebukati’s nomination on grounds that they come from the same county with IEBC Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba.

Jubilee leaders, however, maintain Wafula is a man of integrity and is the most suitable to lead the electoral agency.

The president is expected to forward the names of the new IEBC nominees to parliament for vetting process that is expected to commence next week.

National assembly majority leader Aden Duale has indicated the house is likely to resume on a special sitting in the next two weeks to consider the nominees.

The selection panel settled on Chebukati, alongside High Court advocate Tukero ole Kina for IEBC Chairperson consideration.

President Uhuru Kenyatta surprisingly settled for Chebukati despite scoring lower than ole kina in the interviews.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly will on 18th of this month convene a special sitting for the speaker to read to the house the president’s message on the nomination of the six commissioners and the IEBC chair.

Addressing the press in Garissa town Wednesday, National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale said that upon the speaker receiving the list of the nominees, he will send it to the justice and legal affairs committee who will give way for the process of vetting and tabling of the report for either its approval or rejection.

By DPPS