Lilian Wanjiku, one of the candidates shortlisted for the chairperson position at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has strongly advocated for legal amendments to impose strict penalties on electoral commissioners who abandon their duties before or after a general election.
Appearing before the IEBC Selection Panel for her interview, Wanjiku emphasized the need for accountability among commissioners, arguing that those who resign prematurely should face legal consequences. She noted that electoral commissioners hold critical responsibilities in ensuring free and fair elections, and their abrupt resignation undermines public trust in the electoral process.
“As a legal practitioner, I would ensure there are legal provisions to have stringent penalties for any commissioner who has gone through this interview process, been appointed, and then decides to abandon their role before the election results are announced or before completing their term,” Wanjiku stated.
Her remarks come in the wake of previous resignations of IEBC commissioners. In April 2018, three commissioners Connie Nkatha Maina, Margaret Mwachanya, and Paul Kurgat quit, citing loss of confidence in the commission’s leadership. Similarly, before the 2022 presidential election results were declared, four commissioners Juliana Cherera, Irene Masit, Francis Wanderi, and Justus Nyang’aya resigned, raising concerns about internal divisions within the commission.
Wanjiku also addressed the perennial disputes surrounding presidential election results. She proposed that any commissioner who disagrees with the electoral process should be required to provide a written explanation detailing their objections. She likened this to the practice in the Supreme Court, where dissenting judges issue written opinions explaining their stance.
Another challenge Wanjiku highlighted was the digital electoral system, which she stressed should be fortified to ensure authentication, authorization, and accountability in election results to prevent potential manipulation.
Additionally, she proposed that the IEBC should not be named as a respondent in election petitions, as this could create the perception of bias toward the declared winner.
Wanjiku, who holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, is currently a consultant at LMB & Partners Advocates. She was among the final three candidates to be interviewed for the IEBC chairperson position, alongside Robert Asembo and Saul Simiyu. Interviews for IEBC member positions are set to begin on March 27 and conclude on April 25.
