Suba South Member of Parliament Caroli Omondi has spoken about how some legislators attempted to remove the requirement for livestreaming election results from the law through proposed amendments under the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) process. In an interview with Citizen TV, Omondi revealed that this was not the first attempt by some legislators to remove the provision. A similar proposal had been included in the NADCO-backed Bill, which was formed following bipartisan talks between the President William Ruto-led United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the late Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The NADCO committee was established to outline a 10-point reform agenda adopted by Parliament in February 2024, which included electoral reforms, governance, cost of living, and the two-thirds gender rule. Omondi alleged that some legislators had proposed changes to election laws, which informed a Bill introduced in the Senate. Clause 22 of the proposed legislation sought to delete Section 39 of the Elections Act in its entirety and replace it with a new provision that did not include the requirement for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to livestream results announced at polling stations.
Omondi claimed that he subsequently introduced amendments, including proposals to provide for livestreaming at constituency level. However, he alleged that the withdrawal of the original Clause 22 by its proponents was intended to render his amendments ineffective. Omondi stated that he was convinced that the legislators did not want the livestreaming provision. His remarks add to the growing debate over the livestreaming requirement of election results.
The controversy surrounding the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, sparked public concern after the National Assembly passed amendments that Kenyans feared had removed the livestreaming requirement. However, the government maintained that the provision remains intact. Parliamentary Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Aurelia Rono said the National Assembly had deleted the clause seeking to amend Section 39 of the Elections Act.
President William Ruto accused opposition leaders of spreading propaganda over claims that the government intends to interfere with the livestreaming of election results. The Bill has since been transmitted back to the Senate for consideration of the amendments made by the National Assembly. The issue has raised concerns about the transparency of the electoral process.
Omondi's claims have sparked a renewed debate about the importance of livestreaming election results. The requirement was introduced to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The IEBC has been working to implement the provision, which has been seen as a key step in ensuring the credibility of elections.
The controversy surrounding the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, highlights the ongoing challenges facing Kenya's electoral process. The issue has raised concerns about the potential for interference with the electoral process and the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability.
Key points
- Some Kenyan legislators attempted to remove the requirement for livestreaming election results through proposed amendments under the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) process.
- The government has maintained that the livestreaming provision remains intact despite concerns from Kenyans.
- The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges facing Kenya's electoral process and the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability.
