Friday, February 14, 2025
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IEBC Selection Panel Elects Chairperson

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel has elected Dr. Nelson Makanda as its chairperson.

In an exercise held on Friday, January 31 during the panel’s first meeting, the selection panel also elected Lindah Kiome as the Vice Chairperson. 

The duo will steer the panel in its mandate to pick members of the IEBC.

Nelson Makanda stated that the Selection Panel has committed to fulfilling its mandate of appointing the next Chairperson and members of the IEBC within the next 85 days or less.

He further emphasized that according to the IEBC Act, the Selection Panel is required, within seven days of its appointment, to invite applications from qualified individuals.

IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan
IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan. PHOTO/IEBC.

IEBC Selection Panel Appoints Nelson Makanda as Chairperson

Additionally, Makanda said the panel must publish the names of all applicants and their qualifications in the National Gazette, two national newspapers, and on the website of the Parliamentary Service Commission.

“In this regard, the Panel shall, tomorrow, Saturday 1st February 2025, invite applications from qualified Kenyans for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the IEBC,” he said.

“I assure Kenyans that the Selection Panel is committed to conducting the recruitment exercise in an impartial, fair and transparent manner.”

Ruto Forming Selection Panel

This comes after President William Ruto on Monday, January 27, appointed members of the selection panel tasked with recruiting nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the IEBC.

The nominees for the IEBC selection panel are 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.

In a gazette notice dated January 27, 2025, the president revoked the appointment of the members of the panel who were previously appointed in 2023.

Court Dismiss Petition

The High Court on Friday, January 24, paved the way for President Ruto to appoint the panel after a petition challenging its constitution was thrown out.

Kiambu High Court dismissed a petition challenging the constitution of the panel on the grounds that the petitioner, Bonface Njogu, had failed to prove that persons living with disabilities had been excluded.


Also Read: Will IEBC Reduce or Increase Constituencies Ahead of 2027


Boniface Njogu had submitted that the list was not balanced as the majority are from the Kamba and Kalenjin regions.

“In a country of more than 42 Communities it is absurd that four nominees from the list (Caroline Kituku, Amb. Dr Koki Muli, Andrew Tanui Kipkoech and Nicodemus Bore Kipchichir) would come from the same region or community; The list does not adhere to regional/ ethnic balance on such a critical national process, and it flies on the face of Article 10 of the Constitution,” he argued.

Lady Justice Dola Chepkwony also dismissed a petition challenging Azimio’s nomination process, stating that the claim that the coalition failed to conduct a competitive and open recruitment exercise could not be substantiated.


Also Read: Ruto Names IEBC Selection Panel


Chief Justice Martha Koome called on the newly appointed members of the selection panel for the recruitment and nomination of the chairperson and commissioners of the IEBC to exercise integrity, urging them not to be influenced in carrying out their mandate.

“In constituting for Kenyans, the IEBC is foundational to the strength of our democracy because the credibility of elections defines the stability of our nation. The history we have gone through since independence has shown us when elections are free, fair, and transparent, our country flourishes,” Koome said.

“However, when these elections are mismanaged, the consequences are severe, threatening national unity and public trust. This is why your task is of utmost significance.”

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President Ruto while chairing A Cabinet meeting at State Lodge, Kakamega on January 21, 2025. PHOTO/PCS.
President Ruto while chairing a Cabinet meeting at State Lodge, Kakamega on January 21, 2025. PHOTO/PCS.

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Annah Nanjala Wekesa

Annah Nanjala Wekesa is a journalist at The Kenya Times, with a passion for crafting news-worthy stories that leave a lasting impact. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media from Kisii University. She has honed her skills in the art of storytelling and journalism. Her passion lies in the art of storytelling that resonates with audiences, driving a commitment to delivering news-worthy stories through the lens of integrity and precision. She can be reached at annah.wekesa@thekenyatimes.com

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