President William Ruto has recently appointed a nine-member selection panel for the recruitment of new commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Kenya.
This decision follows a High Court ruling that cleared the way for the panel’s appointment by dismissing claims of inadequate representation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the panel’s composition.
The court found insufficient evidence to support these claims, thus allowing the process to proceed.
The panel, which includes members like Gakii, Oloo, Misati, Bore, Koki, Kituki, Tanui, Makanda, and Fatuma, was appointed to address the vacancies within the IEBC, which has been without a full commission since early 2024.
This move is significant as Kenya approaches the next general election cycle, and the IEBC plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections.
The appointments have been made amid concerns about potential conflicts, especially given the political divisions in the country.
Opposition figures, including Raila Odinga from the Azimio la Umoja coalition, have previously expressed dissatisfaction with the process, arguing for a more bipartisan approach to avoid perceived biases.
However, with the court’s decision, the process has been unblocked, allowing President Ruto to proceed with the appointments.
The selection panel’s primary task will be to oversee the nomination process for new IEBC commissioners, ensuring that the electoral body can function effectively.
This is crucial not only for upcoming elections but also for resolving issues like by-elections in constituencies where the seats have been vacant due to the lack of an operational IEBC.
The situation has stirred conversations on social platforms and in the media, with some posts on social media indicating that this move might lead to a noisy and possibly contentious process, particularly regarding the recall of MPs.