The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel has dismissed claims that six nominees were deliberately added to the shortlisted list of candidates.
In a press briefing on April 25, 2025, the chairperson for the IEBC selection panel, Nelson Makanda, stated that the panel has ensured that the recruitment complies with all constitutional and statutory requirements.
Makanda added that the additional candidates were published to ensure transparency and meet statutory requirements.
“It’s important to note that on the 25th, the selection panel further reviewed the long list and decided to update the shortlist to include 111 candidates. This action was taken to enhance compliance with the constitutional principles of regional balance, youth representation, and overall inclusivity,” IEBC chair for the selection Panel stated.
The interviews for the 11 shortlisted applicants for the position of chairperson were conducted from March 24, 2025, and concluded on March 26, 2025.
IEBC Selection Panel Denies Sneaking Six Candidates
The selection panel also adjusted the dates and times for the interviews to ensure they could be conducted within public and official working hours.
“The interviews for the position of member of the IEBC began on March 27, 2025, and were concluded today, Friday, April 25, 2025. Out of the 111 candidates shortlisted for the member position, 107 presented themselves for the interviews, while four candidates opted out for personal reasons,” he said.
Previously, the selection panel had shortlisted 105 candidates to be interviewed for the positions of Chairperson and members.
Also Read: IEBC Selection Panel Dragged to Court Days After Shortlisting Candidates
Uproar as Selection Panel Adds Six Candidates
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) recruitment process faced scrutiny following the addition of six candidates to the shortlist for chairperson and member positions.
The sudden inclusion of six candidates sparked concerns about the transparency and legality of the process, prompting reactions from legal experts and political figures.
Among those who were added to the list include Hassan Noor Hassan, a former Chief Administrative Secretary for Sports and Education and 2022 Mandera County gubernatorial candidate, as well as Jibril Maalim Mohamed, Michael Ben Oliewo, Charles Kipyegon Mutai, Stephen Kibet Ngeno, and Joel Mwita Daniel.
Also Read: Oswago, Amadi and Nyachae Among 37 Applicants for IEBC Chairperson Job
Call for Accountability
The Commission on Administrative Justice gave the panel responsible for selecting electoral commissioners seven days to provide clarification on why six additional candidates were included in the shortlist.
Additionally, they required a detailed description of the criteria and process used to select the six additional candidates, including an investigation into whether these criteria were consistent with those applied during the initial shortlisting phase.
Further, the Commission is requesting a timeline outlining when the decision to include the six candidates was made, as well as the authority under which their inclusion was approved.
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