A lawyer seeking to become the next chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Saul Simiyu Wasilwa, was put to task on Wednesday over the status of his practicing certificate. During his vetting by the IEBC Selection Panel, Wasilwa struggled to clearly establish whether he was eligible to apply for a practicing certificate for 2025.
Panel member Lindah Gakii pressed Wasilwa on whether he had the necessary Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for 2024, a requirement for obtaining a practicing certificate for the following year. CPD points serve as a measure of professional learning and development, ensuring that practitioners remain competent and up to date in their respective fields.
“Part of our work as a panel is to ensure we have a very honest person as the chair of the IEBC who will be able to give Kenyans a transparent and credible election,” Gakii emphasized.
During the session, Wasilwa claimed he had applied for his practicing certificate for 2024. However, Gakii pointed out that according to the automated Law Society of Kenya (LSK) portal, an applicant must have at least five CPD points to receive an invoice for their practicing certificate application. She further noted that Wasilwa had zero CPD points in 2023, raising concerns about whether he met the requirements for 2024.
Despite Wasilwa’s insistence that he had attended CPD programs, the panel challenged him on the validity of his claim, highlighting the need for strict adherence to professional standards.
Wasilwa is among 11 candidates shortlisted to fill the vacancy left by the former IEBC Chairperson, the late Wafula Chebukati. Other candidates vying for the position include former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi, Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan, Joy Mdivo, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, Robert Akumu Asembo, and Charles Nyachae.
The vetting process for the chairperson’s position concludes on Wednesday, paving the way for the selection panel to begin assessing the 105 candidates shortlisted for the six vacant IEBC commissioner positions. The process is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and integrity in Kenya’s electoral body.
