Ruto signs IEBC Bill into law, stops protocol breach

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto on Tuesday signed into law the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The signing ceremony at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) was attended by among others, Azimio leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.

Passed by Parliament, the Bill is based on the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.

The committee was co-chaired by Kalonzo and National Assembly Majority leader, Kimani Ichung'wah.

During the event, President Ruto stopped a protocol breach and invited Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to the podium.

Ordinarily, the Deputy President speaks then invites the Head of State to speak during any event they attend.

However, after Ruto signed the Bill, Ichung'wah made his remarks and invited Musyoka. After Musyoka's speech, Ichung'wah invited Raila Odinga, ignoring DP Gachagua.

Raila then went ahead to invite President Ruto.

Before making his remarks, the Head of State invited his deputy to make his remarks.

“Before I make some remarks, I have listened carefully to the leaders who have spoken as it should be. But let me ask my deputy to make a few remarks so that I can conclude,” Ruto said.

The new law will put the country’s electoral management system in place, including paving way for the appointment of new IEBC chairman and commissioners.

IEBC has been without a chairman since the immediate former chairman, Wafula Chebukati left office in 2023.

The President has been under pressure to sign the IEBC Bill amid calls by a section of Kenyans to recall their MPs, who voted in favour of the now withdrawn Finance Bill, 2024.