This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
On September 24, 2019, a significant development took place in the Kenyan parliament, as members of parliament voted in favor of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Amendment (IEBC) Bill, 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto's allies in the parliament played a crucial role in the passage of the Bill, which aims to reshape the troubled Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2022 polls.
The Bill was passed with 69 lawmakers voting in its favor, while 56 voted against it. The voting pattern clearly indicated the current political persuasion of the legislators.
Interestingly, the members of parliament from President Kenyatta's region were split, with the majority voting against the Bill. However, the Bill still managed to carry the day, paving the way for the reshaping of the IEBC.
Those opposing the Bill had earlier claimed that the current commissioners would be sent home to pave the way for the payment of new commissioners instead of replacing the four commissioners who have resigned.
Out of 126 Members of Parliament who participated in the voting process, 69 lawmakers voted in support of the IEBC amendment Bill, while 56 voted against it.
