The militarization of Kenya has moved up a gear after President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the transfer of IEBC to the Salvation Army.
Following the trends in Nairobi Metropolitan Services, Kenya Meat Commission, Kenya Prisons, Ministry of Energy and others, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will directly be under the control of the Salvation Army, a decision that is supposed to improve service delivery ahead of the 2022 general elections.
“I have always believed in our defense forces, including the Salvation Army. I know that they have the potential and capacity to deliver a free and fair election. The Salvation Army Kenya East Territory Territorial Commander and Territorial President of women’s Ministries Commissioner will oversee the operations of the IEBC. We will appoint a Lieutenant Colonel who will be involved in the direct operations of the commission. The IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati will answer to the Lieutenant Colonel.”
Militarization of Kenya
Although Uhuru has consistently been putting civilian institutions under the control of the military, no one saw the Salvation Army handover coming. This also raised fears that he could also hand over Kenya to the control of China. However, the Salvation Army is known for its badass brass bands which can keep both voters and candidates entertained during the electoral period.
The decision to handover IEBC to Salvation Army will help tame the rogue institution, which experts claim could spell doom if it is used to rig in a candidate who is not preferred by the deep state.
It is expected that Kenya will be under the full military rule by the end of 2022.