Opposition leader Raila Odinga has thanked the Joint Select Committee of Parliament for steering harmonious discussions on IEBC.
Raila whose Cord coalition has been pushing for electoral reforms in the country said it was clear both Cord and Jubilee had a common interest on the IEBC, and how to conduct future elections.
The ODM leader congratulated Senators Kiraitu Murungi and James Orengo who co-chaired the discussions.
“I wish to congratulate Senators Kiraitu Murungi and James Orengo for the steady leadership to the Joint Select Committee of Parliament that has ensured harmonious and mature discussions which has produced this commendable progress,” Raila said in a statement on Thursday.
“I thank all the members of Parliament serving in this committee for putting aside partisan politics and focusing on what really matters at this moment in the history of our country which is the need to have a credible electoral body that enjoys the broad support of a great majority of Kenyans ahead of 2017 elections.”
Raila also urged members of the Joint Committee to stay focused and put the nation first as they embark on the final stages of their work.
On Wednesday, IEBC Commissioners led by Chairman Issack Hassan agreed to exit office, saying the commission will not be a stumbling block to a political settlement that gives them a dignified package.
“The country is bigger than any of us and if there will be a political settlement, the commission will not be a stumbling block. We are prepared for next year’s General Election and therefore our staff should be given time to prepare for 2017 elections,” said Hassan.
The nine electoral body chiefs will pocket close to Sh200 million if they leave office before their term ends.
Cord staged countrywide demonstrations in a bid to force the IEBC bosses to resign.
The protests led to loss of at least three lives, leading to formation of the Joint Select Committee by President Uhuru Kenyatta to end the impasse.