Members of the IEBC Selection Panel in a Group Photo With Chief Justice Martha Koome
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President William Ruto has formally appointed nine members to the selection panel tasked with recruiting commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
This decision, documented in a Kenya Gazette Notice dated January 27, is an important step in preparation for the country’s general election set for August 2027. The selection panel comprises four women and five men: Kiome Lindah Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda, and Fatuma Saman.
These appointees have a period of 90 days to recruit a chairperson and other commissioners for the IEBC. This announcement follows the dismissal of a petition by the High Court in Kiambu that had delayed the formation of the panel. President Ruto also revoked a prior gazette notice that had appointed a different set of seven members, responding to recommendations made by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) during negotiations to enhance the functioning of the polls agency.
Delays in the implementation of the IEBC (Amendment) Act, which President Ruto endorsed last July, were caused by various court challenges. Recently, Justice Dorah Chepkwony dismissed a petition from Boniface Njogu that contested the appointments on grounds of ethnic representation and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. The judge determined that the petitioner failed to provide adequate evidence to substantiate claims of unconstitutionality surrounding the recruitment process.
A related case filed by Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli is currently pending at the Court of Appeal. Dr. Muli, representing the National Liberal Party, appealed after High Court Judge Janet Mulwa ruled against his eligibility for appointment due to a lack of parliamentary representation. The selection process also involved collaboration from the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC), allowing various coalitions to nominate representatives.
Mr. Evans Misati and Mr. Nicodemus Bore were chosen to represent non-parliamentary and majority parties, respectively. Dr. Augustus Muli was elected for the minority coalition, though his election faced a challenge from Dr. Koki Muli of Wiper. This contest led to an earlier ruling by the Political Parties' Disputes Tribunal being overturned by the High Court.
Continuing from the previous selection panel, Dr Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman were retained by the Inter-Religious Council, while Andrew Kipkoech Tanui was selected by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
Additionally, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) will fill one position, with two slots allocated to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).
The assembly of this selection panel is a crucial element in safeguarding the integrity and preparedness of the IEBC as it approaches the forthcoming general election. The panel’s mandate is to ensure that the recruited commissioners uphold essential principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability within the electoral process.