President William Ruto has appointed a new selection panel tasked with recruiting nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The new panel members include Prof. Adams Oloo, Dr. Nelson Makanda, Fatuma Saman, Amb. Koki Muli, Evans Misati, Nicodemus Bore Kipchirchir, Andrew Tanui Kipkoech, Carolene Kituku, and Linda Kiome Gakii. This appointment was made through a gazette notice dated January 27, 2025, which also revoked the earlier appointments made in 2023.
The establishment of the selection panel comes amid growing pressure on President Ruto to urgently address the issue of the IEBC’s composition. Critics have accused the president of interfering with independent institutions and stalling the necessary reforms within the electoral body. The delay in appointing the panel had sparked concerns, with various political leaders calling for swift action to ensure the commission’s proper functioning ahead of future elections.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who has been vocal about the issue, recently expressed his frustration with the delay, stating that there were troubling developments within the IEBC Secretariat, particularly related to procurement processes. He suggested that the government was testing the waters with the current situation, which raised doubts about the administration’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
Similarly, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni emphasized that the timely reconstitution of the IEBC would be crucial for the country’s democratic process. He argued that the delay could hinder the possibility of a smooth transition of power in the 2027 elections, potentially benefiting certain political figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka, who has expressed aspirations for the presidency.
The formation of the panel follows a legal battle that had delayed the process. On January 26, 2025, the High Court dismissed a petition that challenged the constitution of the selection panel. The petition had been filed by Bonface Njogu, who argued that persons living with disabilities had been excluded from the panel. However, the Kiambu High Court ruled that Njogu had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his claims, and the petition was dismissed.
Additionally, the court rejected a separate petition that challenged the nomination process of the Azimio coalition, which had alleged that the process was neither competitive nor open. The court ruled that there was no substantial evidence to back these claims, further clearing the way for the selection panel to move forward with its mandate.
The appointment of the new selection panel is seen as a significant step toward addressing the concerns surrounding the IEBC’s structure and the electoral process in Kenya. The commission plays a critical role in overseeing elections, and its independence and credibility are essential for maintaining public trust in the electoral system. As the country looks ahead to the 2027 general elections, the timely reconstitution of the IEBC is expected to be a key factor in ensuring that the electoral process is fair, transparent, and free from undue political influence.
The establishment of the panel also signals a shift in the government’s approach to handling the IEBC reform process. While the delay in appointing the panel had sparked political controversy, the recent developments suggest that President Ruto is taking steps to address the issue, albeit under significant pressure from political opponents and civil society groups.
As the selection panel begins its work, it will be tasked with vetting candidates for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the IEBC. The panel’s decisions will have a lasting impact on the future of the commission and the integrity of Kenya’s electoral system. The public and political stakeholders alike will be closely watching the panel’s proceedings to ensure that the recruitment process is transparent, inclusive, and in line with constitutional requirements.
In conclusion, the appointment of the IEBC selection panel by President Ruto marks a crucial development in the ongoing efforts to reform the electoral commission. While the process has faced legal challenges and political criticism, the formation of the panel signals progress in addressing these concerns. The panel’s work will be closely scrutinized as it selects nominees who will shape the future of the IEBC and the conduct of elections in Kenya.
