Lilian Manegene
Lilian Manegene, a leading candidate to chair Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), is proposing sweeping reforms to bolster the institution's stability and public trust.
Her agenda focuses on addressing critical issues such as commissioner resignations and voting interference, while emphasizing adherence to the rule of law. Manegene's reform plan hinges on amending IEBC internal regulations to prevent commissioners from resigning before election results are finalized, a move prompted by the controversial departure of the "Cherera Four" and its negative impact on electoral credibility.
"Running away of commissioners is likely to be a challenge I would experience, and that is why I would ensure to have a law that will guide the exit of a commissioner," Manegene said.
She intends to introduce a legal framework governing the resignation process for commissioners, ensuring accountability and stability within the commission. Recognizing that internal tensions have historically undermined the IEBC, Manegene also intends to focus on addressing personality differences among leadership, which she identifies as a significant factor behind the institution's challenges.
She even recounts a personal dispute involving a failed business venture and subsequent legal proceedings to demonstrate her capacity to navigate conflicts while adhering to legal and ethical standards. To address voting process integrity, Manegene says she aims to address the persistent problem of interference with secret balloting, which she attributes primarily to overcrowding at polling stations. She plans to enforce existing legal provisions aimed at regulating voter flow and minimizing congestion.
"We need to amend the IEBC laws. I will form a multi-agency team to look into the issues with the commissioners. With the experience that we have had, we need laws as guidelines for the commissioners," she explained.
The IEBC selection panel is tasked with filling the vacancy created by the passing of former electoral chief Wafula Chebukati, who died last month from brain cancer. Among the eleven candidates shortlisted for the position, three are women: Joy Brenda Masinde-Mdivo, Ann Amadi, and Lillian Wanjiku Manegene. The panel has assured the public of a transparent selection process aimed at identifying individuals of the highest integrity to lead the 2027 General Election.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Nairobi Catholic Diocese has urged the vetting committee to prioritize the selection of a just and accountable leader. Speaking at Mary Help Hospital, Archbishop Anyolo emphasized the need to restore public trust in the IEBC, acknowledging the widespread mistrust among Kenyans towards the electoral body.