Rights groups and civil society organisations in Kenya called Sunday for the urgent reconstitution of the country’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the full repeal of the controversial Finance Act 2023 in a bid to calm the hot political climate in the country. Their call came after widespread demonstrations last week against the incumbent government of President William Ruto.

The organisations released a statement indicating that they were “…deeply concerned over the recent events that have unfolded during the series of protests by various entities including civil society organisations, members of the public and the Azimio Coalition party over a number of grievances which include the new tax regime, high cost of living and related electoral complaints.”

Commenting on the election commission, which found itself at the center of controversy in the 2022 general election count, the organisations said, “Serious questions have been raised on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in terms of composition, the model and its place in the overall role in the managing and delivering credible elections and referenda in Kenya. In view of this, and noting the opportunity being accorded by the bi-partisan parliamentary processes, Kenyans need to have an honest conversation as to what kind of an election management body they need which will safeguard the integrity of their elections.”

Further reiterating a previous call by religious leaders to have the controversial Finance Act 2023 repealed, the organisations indicated that there was a need to repeal the Act whose implementation would place a burden on citizens amidst the high cost of living in the country and the global economic recession.

Last week’s demonstrations, which have since been called off by opposition Aziomio party leader Raila Odinga, were an exercise of the right to demonstrate as enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution. They arose as a response to the high cost of living and tax increments suggested in the controversial Finance Act, which has been temporarily suspended by the Kenyan High Court awaiting directions from the Supreme Court.