Ruto Names 9-Member IEBC Selection Panel
President William Ruto has officially named a nine-member panel to oversee the selection of new commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The announcement was made through a Special Gazette Notice issued on Monday, ending a nearly three-year delay that had sparked political tensions.
The delay in appointing the panel was attributed to prolonged legal battles and political disagreements, which had stalled the process for years. However, the newly formed team is now expected to spearhead the recruitment of IEBC commissioners who will play a crucial role in the management of Kenya’s elections.
Members of the Selection Panel
The Special Gazette Notice revealed the appointees as Kiome Lindah Gakii, communications expert Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Ambassador Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku Tanui, Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda, and Fatuma Saman.
The notice stated, “In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7A of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, as read with paragraph 1 (2) of the First Schedule to the Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint (the 9-member team) to be Members of the Selection Panel for the Recruitment of nominees for appointment as the Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.”
President Ruto also revoked a previous notice regarding IEBC selection panel appointments, which had been gazetted in 2023.
Swearing-In of Panelists
The appointed panelists are scheduled to be sworn in at the Supreme Court Building in Nairobi on Monday at 9:00 am. Their swearing-in paves the way for the recruitment process to formally begin.
The announcement came just two days after the High Court in Kiambu dismissed a petition seeking to challenge the composition of the IEBC Selection Panel. Justice Dola Chepkwony ruled that the petitioner, Bonface Njogu, had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support claims that persons with disabilities were excluded from the selection process.
Justice Chepkwony also dismissed a separate petition that challenged the Azimio coalition’s nomination process for the panel. The petitioner had alleged that Azimio failed to conduct an open and competitive recruitment process, but the court found no substantial evidence to support this claim.
Political Tensions
The formation of the selection panel has been a contentious issue between the government and the opposition. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused the government of intentionally delaying the process to influence the outcomes of the 2027 general elections.
One of the appointees, Oloo Adams, has already sparked controversy. On Sunday, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna revealed plans to challenge Oloo’s inclusion in the panel. Sifuna alleged that Oloo currently serves as a communications adviser within President Ruto’s administration, raising concerns about potential bias.
Responsibilities of the Panel
The newly appointed panel is tasked with recruiting seven IEBC commissioners who will manage and oversee electoral activities across the country. As outlined by law, the commission must consist of commissioners and a fully operational secretariat led by a secretary.
Upon taking office, the panel will begin constituting the IEBC Commission. Their immediate priorities include organizing by-elections in 11 constituencies and wards. Seven of these by-elections have been triggered by the deaths of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), while others arose from President Ruto’s decision to elevate former Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi and former Nominated MP John Mbadi to his Cabinet.
The appointment of the IEBC Selection Panel is also a critical step toward preparing for the 2027 general elections. The commission is expected to develop strategies and frameworks to ensure credible, transparent, and efficient electoral processes moving forward.
This long-awaited development signals progress in addressing Kenya’s electoral challenges and ensures that the IEBC is equipped to carry out its mandate effectively.
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