IEBC Nominee Hassan Noor Discloses Family Tie to Junet Mohamed

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission commissioner nominee, Hassan Noor Hassan, has revealed that he is a brother-in-law of Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on Saturday, Hassan divulged the information in response to a question on his suitability to hold the office.

The revelation came after committee members pressed Hassan to clarify the nature of his relationship with the legislator.

“Mr Chairman, I’m related to Honourable Junet Mohamed. I’m his brother-in-law,” he stated.

“I existed long before Junet was born, but I’m Junet’s brother-in-law.”

Committee members insisted the clarification was essential to provide transparency and pre-empt any perceived bias, should Hassan be approved for a role in the IEBC.

The session grew tense when some members raised concerns about discussing perceived personal relationships between nominees and MPs, noting that parliamentary procedures prohibit discussion of a member’s conduct without a substantive motion.

Hassan was also questioned about his declared assets and net worth.

He stated that his wealth, comprising houses and vehicles, is a result of nearly four decades of work and is funded through bank loans.

“My assets can be accounted for. They are an accumulation of nearly 40 years of struggle,” he said, defending his integrity.

On the question of his age and ability to serve effectively, Hassan responded: “Given my wealth of experience, I believe I’m of right age to help the IEBC.”

He also emphasised the value of intergenerational balance within the commission, highlighting the inclusion of younger nominees.

Additionally, Hassan addressed his alleged involvement in the National Youth Service (NYS) corruption case, confirming that he was among those charged but later acquitted.

“True, investigations were done. People were taken to court. I was amongst them and we were acquitted for lack of evidence,” he said.

He further noted that he was a key part of the response team that helped restore order during the 2007 post-election violence in Rift Valley.

During the 2007 crisis, Noor was the Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner.

He said the region was already tense when he took up the role.

“There has been a lot of conflict within the region, in Molo, in Turkana, in Samburu, in Trans Nzoia. We managed to bring the conflict down before the elections,” the nominee told the committee.

Hassan said his efforts were officially recognised.

“I was awarded the best public officer of the year in 2007. I got the Kenya National Human Rights Commission award as the best public servant of the year in the way we managed conflict in the province at that time,” Hassan said.