Elections Watchdog Questions Legitimacy Of IEBC Panel Candidates Additions
The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has reported the strange inclusion of six names in the recruitment process for new commissioners and the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement issued on April 9, ELOG praised the IEBC selection panel for its transparency throughout the process, which began two weeks ago.
However, the election watchdog expressed alarm over the inexplicable growth of the candidate list for commissioner posts.
Despite having 104 names on March 14, a revised list of names revealed 111 applicants on March 25.
“While noting that the panel did communicate on the increase and the general reasons behind it, concerns remain on the procedure used to select the additional names and raises questions as to why this criterion was not employed from the beginning as directed by the relevant laws and regulations,” a statement from ELOG said.
🚨ELOG PRESS STATEMENT ON THE ADDITIONAL NAMES ON THE SHORT LIST FOR THE ON-GOING IEBC RECRUITMENT PROCESS pic.twitter.com/FdppM45zJc
— ELOG Kenya (@elogkenya) April 9, 2025
In its list of demands, ELOG requested that the IEBC selection panel publicly explain the procedure utilized to recruit the six new applicants.
ELOG also encouraged the panel to provide a complete response regarding the addition of new interviews, as the appointment of new commissioners was a time-sensitive procedure.
The statement added: “Noting that the Commission duties are time-barred, the country cannot afford further delays in bringing on board commissioners and therefore urge the Panel to expedite the process.”
With the commission battling with the issue of public trust, ELOG’s demand is expected to throw a wrench in the works, as the interviews are scheduled to be completed in the coming days.
The Selection Panel for Recruitment of the chairperson and commissioners of the @IEBCKenya has published the list of persons who submitted their applications to serve in the Commission. We commend all Kenyans who have stepped up to offer themselves to serve their nation. We urge… pic.twitter.com/WLSVQXMI9E
— Faith Odhiambo (@FaithOdhiambo8) March 6, 2025
Another wrinkle in the selection process this week was lawyer Katwa Kigen’s departure from the interview process.
ALSO READ:
- KNH Launches FULL Digital System For ALL Hospital Services
- “Attack Uhuru Yourself, Stop Sending Juniors!” – Gachagua Tells Ruto
- “After Careful Consideration …!” – Mt Kenya Governor Ditches UDA After Ruto’s Visit
- Skydiving Plane Crash Lands In Diani, Company Confirms
- “This Is What Happened!” – Orengo Reveals Events Leading To Chaos At MP Nyikal’s Father’s Burial
Kigen stated that he wished to avoid ‘unnecessary diversion’ from the commission’s important job.
The well-known lawyer represented President William Ruto during his prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged role in the 2007/2008 post-election violence.
His withdrawal occurred just moments before his appearance before the IEBC selection panel on Thursday, April 10.
His shortlisting for the commissioner job was initially met with worries about his impartiality if selected due to his close proximity and relationship with Ruto as his lawyer.
Elections Watchdog Questions Legitimacy Of IEBC Panel Candidates Additions
