Homa Bay town Member of Parliament, George Kaluma, has called for the government to urgently swear in the newly approved Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners, warning that further delays risk plunging the country into a constitutional crisis.

Kaluma’s statement on X, formerly Twitter, on July 4, 2025, emphasized that the IEBC, whose new team was recently vetted and approved by Parliament, must begin its mandate immediately to oversee the over 20 pending by-elections across the country.

The MP also reminded Kenyans that the next general elections are just two years away, stressing the need for early preparation.

“Kenya has over 20 by-elections pending, and we are only two years away from the next general elections. The Kriegler Commission recommended that the IEBC be fully constituted at least three years before a general election. Don’t push Kenya to the brink.” He stated.

His remarks come in response to the ongoing legal deadlock following a court ruling that temporarily halted the swearing-in of the newly nominated IEBC commissioners for 39 days.

The Judiciary intervened after a petitioner challenged the appointment process, citing a lack of public participation and transparency in the selection of the commissioners.

According to court documents, the petitioner claimed that the appointment process did not fully adhere to the constitutional and statutory requirements, hence the need for judicial review before the commissioners can take office.

The High Court then issued conservatory orders suspending the swearing-in pending the hearing and determination of the case.

However, Kaluma argues that such legal maneuvers are derailing a critical constitutional function and creating unnecessary tension in the country.

He further urged the Judiciary to expedite the legal process, cautioning that the longer the commission remains inactive, the higher the risk of undermining public trust in the electoral system.

The delay in swearing-in the commissioners has sparked concern among civil society groups and election observers, who warn that Kenya cannot afford to wait until the last minute to set up electoral infrastructure.

Pressure is now mounting on the Judiciary to resolve the legal dispute swiftly, and on the Executive to respect the parliamentary approval and facilitate the assumption of office by the new commissioners.