The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially confirmed that it has received four petitions from members of the public seeking to recall certain Members of Parliament (MPs) from office.
While speaking to the media on Friday, July 18, in Mombasa County, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon revealed that the electoral body is now in possession of formal applications requesting the removal of four MPs.
He noted that the Commission would carefully review the petitions and assess whether the grounds presented are valid and lawful.
“Kenyans have been actively discussing the issue of recalling their elected leaders,” Ethekon said. “So far, we have received around four petitions. Once we return to the office, we will begin reviewing them as guided by the Constitution.”
Kenyans Have a Right to Recall MPs, Ethekon Says
Ethekon reminded the public that the right to recall an MP is enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution. He explained that if citizens feel their elected representative has failed to perform or represent their interests, they are legally permitted to start a recall process—provided the reasons meet constitutional requirements.
“Every Kenyan has the constitutional right to initiate a recall process. As IEBC, we are fully committed to following the law and will only proceed if the grounds meet the legal threshold,” he added.
The IEBC Chair emphasized that the Commission would maintain neutrality and professionalism in handling the petitions, acting strictly within the framework of the law to protect democratic rights while ensuring due process.
Pending By-Elections Also on the IEBC’s Radar
In addition to the recall petitions, Ethekon also announced that the Commission is preparing to conduct several pending by-elections in sub-counties across the country.
He revealed that the IEBC would work in collaboration with Parliament and political parties to resolve any outstanding issues surrounding these by-elections, stressing that addressing the matter was among the Commission’s immediate priorities.
“We are currently finalising plans to carry out the pending by-elections. This will be done in close consultation with the relevant authorities, and it is at the top of our agenda,” Ethekon said.
Case of MP Rahim Dawood Sparks Public Reaction
Ethekon’s remarks come at a time when residents of North Imenti Constituency have already begun mobilizing efforts to recall their MP, Rahim Dawood. The locals have launched a signature collection campaign to formally trigger the recall process.
Among the key reasons listed by residents for wanting to remove Dawood include:
- His support for the 2024 Finance Bill, which many constituents opposed
- His failure to represent their concerns effectively in parliamentary debates
- His vote in favour of the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
- His inability to lobby for government funding to complete stalled national projects in Meru County
Residents claim that the MP has consistently failed to uphold his responsibilities, especially when it comes to oversight and advocacy for development within the constituency.
IEBC to Uphold Democratic Rights
In summary, Chairperson Ethekon assured the public that the IEBC will carefully examine all recall petitions and act strictly in line with constitutional guidelines.
He emphasized that the electoral body stands firm in protecting the rights of Kenyans to hold leaders accountable, while also ensuring that any action taken respects the rule of law.
The coming weeks are expected to be busy for the IEBC, with both recall reviews and pending by-elections high on its agenda.
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