President William Ruto has unveiled a new selection panel tasked with recruiting nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The newly appointed panel members include Prof. Adams Oloo, Dr. Nelson Makanda, Fatuma Saman, Amb. Koki Muli, Evans Misati, Nicodemus Bore Kipchirchir, Andrew Tanui Kipkoech, Carolene Kituku, and Linda Kiome Gakii.
The announcement, made through a gazette notice dated January 27, 2025, comes after President Ruto revoked the appointments of the previous panel members who were selected in 2023. The move follows mounting pressure on the government to expedite the reconstitution of the IEBC, with critics accusing the administration of delaying reforms and interfering with independent institutions.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka recently expressed concerns over the delays, stating, “On Monday, we hope to come up with a very clear statement about what is going on. In the meantime, within the IEBC Secretariat itself, there are terrible things going on, like procurement. They are testing the grounds.”
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the timely establishment of the IEBC could influence the outcome of the 2027 general elections. “Setting up an IEBC on time would see Kalonzo take the presidency come 2027,” Kioni remarked.
Eugene Wamalwa, leader of DAP-Kenya, also criticized the government for the prolonged delay in reconstituting the IEBC, nearly four years after the current administration took office.
The High Court recently cleared the way for President Ruto to appoint the new panel after dismissing a petition challenging the constitutionality of the selection process. Kiambu High Court Judge Dola Chepkwony ruled that the petitioner, Bonface Njogu, had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support claims that persons living with disabilities were excluded from the process.
Additionally, Justice Chepkwony dismissed a separate petition challenging Azimio’s nomination process, stating that allegations of a lack of competitive and open recruitment could not be substantiated.
The reconstitution of the IEBC is seen as a critical step toward ensuring credible and transparent elections in Kenya. As the new panel begins its work, all eyes will be on the government to deliver on its promise of electoral reforms and uphold the integrity of the country’s democratic processes.
Stay tuned to Nyanza Daily for more updates on this developing story.
