By Rasto Wamalwa
President William Ruto has appointed new members to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, revoking earlier appointments made in 2023.
The updated panel includes Kiome Lindah Gakii, Prof. Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Ambassador Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Dr. Nelson Makanda, and Fatuma Saman.
A Gazette Notice dated January 27 states:
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7A of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, as read with paragraph 1 (2) of the First Schedule to the Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint the following individuals as members of the selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as the chairperson and members of the IEBC.”
This announcement comes amid heightened political attention on the IEBC’s composition. The commission plays a critical role in managing Kenya’s elections, overseeing voter registration, tallying results, and resolving electoral disputes.
The reconstitution of the IEBC has been a contentious issue, especially following the 2022 general elections. The electoral body faced criticism for its handling of the presidential election, including internal divisions among commissioners. This led to the resignation of four commissioners who disputed the presidential results. Their departure, coupled with the end of the term for the then-IEBC Chair, Wafula Chebukati, left the commission without leadership.
The newly appointed selection panel is tasked with recruiting nominees for the IEBC chairperson and commissioner roles. Their work is crucial in ensuring a credible process as the country gears up for by-elections and future elections.
This move also follows the revocation of earlier appointments made in Gazette Notice No. 2641 of 2023. Previously, the reconstitution of the IEBC was halted by a High Court ruling in 2023. The court prohibited Jeremiah Nyegenye, Clerk of the Senate and Secretary to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), from forwarding or publishing the names of nominees until further judicial review.
As the IEBC prepares for upcoming electoral activities, the formation of the selection panel is expected to restore confidence in the commission’s ability to carry out its mandate impartially.
