Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has demanded an immediate delay to the country’s upcoming general elections, citing deep flaws and irregularities in the appointment of IEBC commissioners.
Speaking with urgency on a local media station, Gakuya didn’t mince words. He declared that the integrity of the entire electoral process was now hanging in the balance, thanks to what he described as a “questionable and suspicious nomination exercise.”
At the heart of the storm? The sudden and unexplained inclusion of one man — Hassan Noor — whose name was not on the original shortlist of candidates for the IEBC.
“There was a ghost in the process,” Gakuya warned. “Why were the other six escorting one name that wasn’t even shortlisted? Why the secrecy?”
“This Could End in Catastrophe” – Gakuya Warns
In a chilling warning that hints at potential national instability, Gakuya argued that clinging blindly to the electoral calendar could lead to disaster.
“Let’s not rush a broken process. Even the Constitution allows postponement under exceptional circumstances. And this—this is one of them,” he said.
“We are headed for chaos if this isn’t fixed. The system is compromised. We must choose between a lawful process and a ticking time bomb.”
Court Drama: Justice Halts Vetting, Petitioners Cry Foul
The MP’s explosive remarks come just 24 hours after Justice Lawrence Mugambi slapped a temporary injunction on Parliament, freezing the vetting of all seven IEBC nominees—including Chairperson-designate Erastus Edung Ethekon—until May 29, 2025.
The legal fight was sparked by a petition filed by activists Kelvin Omondi and Boniface Mwangi, represented by legal heavyweights Paul Muite and Ochieng Odinga. Their argument? That the IEBC nominations were “riddled with bias, lacked merit, and were constitutionally defective.”
“This process stinks,” Muite told the court. “It betrayed public trust and violated basic principles of fairness and representation.”
Alarming Allegations: Bias, Discrimination, Political Meddling
The petition is damning. It accuses the IEBC selection panel—led by Nelson Makanda—of ignoring key constitutional provisions. The list, they argue, fails to reflect regional, ethnic, and disability representation, violating Articles 10, 232, and 250 of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
“No one with a disability was included. That’s not just an oversight—it’s illegal,” the petition reads.
The real bombshell? Allegations of political interference in the last-minute insertion of Noor Hassan’s name, which neither passed public scrutiny nor had high scores during interviews.
“We Want Justice, Not Tricks” – Gakuya
Echoing the petitioners’ frustrations, Gakuya demanded clarity over Noor’s inclusion.
“If the judiciary finds Noor’s inclusion justified, fine—we’ll accept it. But if not, we must start over. Kenya deserves a credible commission, not backdoor appointments,” he stated.
With national elections looming, the question remains: Will Kenya push pause on democracy to fix a broken system—or risk plunging into chaos?
