The race to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has entered a decisive stage amid growing concern over political mistrust and looming constitutional deadlines. With the IEBC selection panel concluding interviews last Friday, all eyes are now on President William Ruto and Parliament as the final list of nominees is expected to be tabled in the coming days.
The panel, tasked with identifying seven commissioners to steer the country’s electoral body, has retreated to compile its final report after weeks of vetting candidates. However, opposition leaders and civil society actors are expressing mounting unease about the process, citing a lack of transparency and fears of partisan interference.
Azimio la Umoja coalition leaders have raised red flags, accusing the government of manipulating the selection process to secure a compliant electoral commission ahead of the 2027 General Election. They argue that the IEBC’s credibility hangs in the balance and have called for a more inclusive and consultative approach to restore public confidence in the institution.
At the heart of the standoff lies deep-seated political mistrust that has plagued electoral reforms in Kenya for years. The previous commission was disbanded following a controversial 2022 election and subsequent resignations and court battles that rendered the agency inoperable. This has left a constitutional void, stalling critical processes such as boundary delimitation and pending by-elections.
President Ruto now faces the challenge of balancing political interests while safeguarding the independence and impartiality of the IEBC. Once the recruitment panel submits its shortlist, the Head of State is expected to forward the names to Parliament for vetting and approval a process likely to trigger further political wrangling.
Observers warn that any delays or perceived biases in the appointments could lead to a full-blown crisis, undermining future electoral integrity. With time running out, stakeholders are calling for consensus-building and transparency to ensure that the new commission commands national trust.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Kenya can navigate this delicate transition and uphold the principles of democratic governance enshrined in its Constitution.
