The High Court has blocked the swearing-in of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners.
On May 28, Justice Lawrence Mugambi, permitted Parliament to continue with the vetting of the seven nominees for chairperson and commissioner roles.
However, he ruled that they cannot be sworn in until a petition challenging the nomination process is resolved.
Noting the significant public interest, Justice Mugambi referred the case to the Chief Justice to assign a multi-judge bench.
Earlier this month, President Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon for vetting as the next IEBC chairperson.
He also named Anne Nderitu, Moses Mukwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor, Francis Odhiambo, and Fahima Abdalla as commissioners.
However, two petitioners moved to court, arguing that the nomination process is illegal and unconstitutional.
List of IEBC Nominated Commissioners
Earlier this month, President Ruto nominated IEBC commissioners.
The nominees, selected by President William Ruto, were as follows:
- Erastus Edung Ethekon – Chairperson
- Ann Njeri Nderitu – Member
- Moses Alutalala Mukhwana – Member
- Mary Karen Sorobit – Member
- Hassan Noor Hassan – Member
- Francis Odhiambo Aduol – Member
- Fahima Araphat Abdalla – Member
Additionally, in a notice dated Monday, May 5, 2025, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed Members of Parliament to commence the vetting process for the IEBC nominees on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Also Read: Kalonzo Alleges Plot to Rig 2027 Elections, Raises Four Questions on IEBC
“The general public is hereby notified that, pursuant to Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Section 6(4) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act (Cap. 77), the Departmental Committee on Justice and Constitutional Affairs will conduct approval hearings (vetting) for the IEBC nominees on Monday, May 26, 2025. The sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Mini Chamber, First Floor, County Hall, Parliament Buildings, as per the schedule below,” the notice stated.
However, the nominations have been met with opposition criticism as the 2027 general election approaches.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused President Ruto of making the appointments unilaterally, without engaging the opposition or responding to a letter regarding the selection process.
“The most important word in IEBC is ‘Independent.’ We insist on inclusivity, consultation, and consensus. The Commission must be independent. What we currently have is a William Ruto IEBC,” Kalonzo said.
List of Constituencies Without MPs
Kasipul Constituency does not have a Member of Parliament following the death of Legislator Charles Ong’ondo, who was shot on April 30, 2025. He succumbed to gunshot wounds after assailants fired at him five times.
Also Read: Ngugi wa Thiong’o Hard-hitting Letter to Ruto Exactly One Year Before Death
Magarini Constituency is also without a legislator due to the Supreme Court declaring the parliamentary seat vacant on May 31, 2024.
Mbeere North Constituency is currently vacant after President William Ruto nominated its former legislator, Geoffrey Ruku, as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes on March 26, 2025. Ruku held the Mbeere North seat from August 2022 until April 16, 2025.
Ugunja Constituency lacks a Member of Parliament due to the appointment of Opiyo Wandayi, who previously held the seat, to the Cabinet by President Ruto.
Malava Constituency became vacant following the death of its Member of Parliament, Moses Malulu Injendi, on February 17, 2025.
The Banisa parliamentary seat became vacant after the death of MP Kullow Maalim Hassan on March 29, 2023. He succumbed to injuries sustained in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Nairobi.
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