Election Disaster Ahead? James Oswago Claims IEBC Commissioners Aren’t Ready for 2027
As Kenya gears up for the 2027 general elections, former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer, James Oswago, has raised alarms about the credibility of the upcoming elections.
Oswago, who has extensive experience with elections in the country, expressed concerns about the preparedness of the current commissioners. He believes the commissioners, currently undergoing interviews, are not ready to manage such a critical national event.
Speaking on Spice FM during a recent election discussion, Oswago pointed out that the commissioners lack the preparation time necessary to oversee even a by-election, let alone the crucial general election scheduled for 2027.
He stressed that those in charge of running the election need a minimum of two years of experience in preparation. Without this, Oswago warned, Kenya’s elections could face similar challenges as previous ones, where poor planning led to chaotic outcomes.
The Importance of Experience for Election Commissioners
Oswago emphasized that a newly appointed commissioner needs to undergo a substantial period of induction and training to effectively run an election. “An election is run through a process of apprenticeship and gradual learning,” Oswago explained. He stressed that simply appointing a newcomer and expecting them to run an election immediately is not a viable approach.
The former CEO pointed out that despite Kenya having a technically skilled staff who handle the operational aspects of elections, the commissioners still play a vital role in overseeing and strategizing.
According to the law, the commissioners are responsible for providing guidance, strategy, and supervision of the election process. This makes it critical that they are not only familiar with the technical details but are also equipped with the necessary experience and knowledge to navigate the complex challenges of an election.
Challenges in Election Preparation
With less than two years remaining until the 2027 elections, Oswago warned against rushing the process.
The primary focus, he said, should be on ensuring that the election is credible and legitimate. “Rushing into the election unprepared will only lead to more failures,” Oswago cautioned. He believes that without adequate time for the commissioners to properly train and integrate into their roles, the risk of a poorly managed election increases significantly.
Oswago’s remarks come at a critical time as the IEBC is in the midst of selecting new commissioners. The interviews for the six vacant positions have been underway throughout April and are expected to conclude by April 25.
The selection panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda, will assess the candidates based on their experience, integrity, and strategic vision.
Once the panel completes its evaluations, the names of the shortlisted candidates will be forwarded to President William Ruto for final approval.
Urgency in Election Preparation
With the general election looming, there is growing pressure to ensure that the election is conducted smoothly.
However, Oswago’s warning underscores a key issue in Kenya’s electoral processes: the need for sufficient preparation time and experienced leadership at the top.
The rush to finalize the commission’s leadership may not leave adequate room for proper training, which could jeopardize the legitimacy of the election.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, the selection and induction of capable commissioners will be a crucial factor in determining whether the country can hold a fair, credible, and successful general election.
For now, the focus must be on ensuring that the right people are in place and fully prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.
More News: Kenya Turns to China for JKIA Expansion Following Adani’s Setback
Election Disaster Ahead? James Oswago Claims IEBC Commissioners Aren’t Ready for 2027
