President Ruto Appoints 9-Member IEBC Selection Panel

President William Ruto has appointed a new selection panel to recruit nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The move, announced in a gazette notice dated January 27, 2025, comes amid mounting pressure to reconstitute the electoral body, which has been without commissioners for nearly four years.

The newly appointed panel members include prominent figures such as 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. They are expected to be sworn in and begin their work immediately.

A Long-Awaited Move

The appointment follows a High Court ruling on Friday that dismissed a petition challenging the constitution of the panel. The petitioner, Bonface Njogu, had argued that persons living with disabilities were excluded from the process, but Justice Dola Chepkwony ruled that the claim lacked sufficient evidence. Another petition challenging Azimio’s nomination process was also dismissed, with the court finding no proof of irregularities.

Despite the court’s green light, the delay in reconstituting the IEBC has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused the government of interfering with independent institutions and stalling reforms. “Within the IEBC Secretariat itself, there are terrible things going on, like procurement. They are testing the grounds,” he said.

Political Reactions

Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni suggested that the delay in establishing the IEBC was a strategic move to influence the 2027 elections. “Setting up an IEBC on time would see Kalonzo take the presidency come 2027,” he claimed.

DAP-Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa also criticized the government for the prolonged delay, stating that it undermines Kenya’s democratic processes. “It is unacceptable that we are still discussing the reconstitution of the IEBC almost four years into this administration,” he said.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, led by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, echoed these concerns, highlighting how the delay has disrupted by-elections in Ugunja, Magarini, and the clearance of a nominated Member of Parliament. The party’s Central Committee warned that the absence of a functional IEBC is stifling democracy and creating a governance vacuum.

Implications for By-Elections

The IEBC’s absence has left 11 electoral areas without representation, including seven pending by-elections resulting from the deaths of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs). Additionally, the elevation of former Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi and former Nominated MP John Mbadi to President Ruto’s Cabinet has created further vacancies.

The Constitution mandates that by-elections be held within 90 days of a vacancy. However, without a functional IEBC, these elections cannot proceed, leaving thousands of voters without representation.

A Path Forward

The appointment of the new selection panel marks a critical step toward restoring the IEBC’s functionality. However, the process remains fraught with political tension and mistrust. Opposition leaders have vowed to closely monitor the recruitment process to ensure transparency and inclusivity.

As Kenya moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the reconstitution of the IEBC will be a litmus test for the government’s commitment to democratic reforms. For now, all eyes are on the newly appointed panel to deliver a credible and independent electoral body capable of upholding Kenya’s democratic principles.