Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has expressed strong reservations about the shortlisted candidates for the chairperson position of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), claiming they lack the independence and integrity required for the critical role. Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, Senator Ledama argued that the candidates are likely to be “yes people” who could easily be compromised, undermining the credibility of Kenya’s electoral process.
“I believe this is a completely wrong list of candidates to spearhead this country to greater heights when it comes to elections,” he said. “I see characters who will be ‘yes people’, cannot be independent, and cannot be guided by ethics and integrity.” He further criticized the candidates for being “recycled” from previous roles, calling for a younger, more radical leader to ensure transparency and innovation within the commission.
Echoing Senator Ledama’s concerns, Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto questioned the suitability of the candidates, noting their histories align with specific political factions. “I don’t know whether the country has run out of candidates. I see people with a history that aligns with one side of the political divide,” Wandeto stated. He emphasized the need for a chairperson who can resist external pressures, even from the highest offices, to maintain the commission’s independence.
The IEBC Selection Panel began public interviews for the chairperson position on Monday, March 24, at the College of Insurance in Nairobi. The three-day process will see 11 candidates vetted, including prominent figures such as former Constitutional Implementation Committee Chairperson Charles Nyachae and former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi. Other candidates include Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan, Edward Katama Ngeywa, and Joy Masinde-Mdivo, the current chairperson of the Kenya Power board.
The interviews come at a critical time for Kenya’s electoral body, which has faced scrutiny over its handling of past elections. The selection of a credible and independent chairperson is seen as vital to restoring public trust in the commission. After concluding the chairperson interviews, the panel will begin vetting candidates for six commissioner positions from March 26 to April 24.
As the process unfolds, the concerns raised by Senator Ledama and MP Wandeto highlight the need for a transparent and merit-based selection to ensure the IEBC’s credibility in future elections.
