After prolonged political wrangling and delays, President William Ruto has officially appointed a nine-member panel tasked with selecting new commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a gazette notice dated Monday, January 27, 2025, President Ruto named Kiome Lindah Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Ambassador Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda, and Fatuma Saman as members of the selection panel.
The President made the appointments under section 7A of the IEBC Act, coupled with paragraph 1 (2) of the First Schedule of the Act, granting the team the mandate to oversee the recruitment process for the IEBC Chairperson and Commissioners.
The appointments came after the lifting of legal orders that had stalled the reconstitution of the IEBC. State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed noted in a statement that the process had faced significant delays but was now on track.
The IEBC has operated without commissioners since January 17, 2023, following the retirement of Wafula Chebukati, Boya Molu, and Abdi Guliye. The trio, who had been appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2017, completed their tenure, leaving a leadership vacuum in the electoral body.
While President Ruto initiated efforts to reconstitute the commission, the process encountered legal and political obstacles, including court cases that delayed the formation of the selection panel.
The delays prompted calls for action from several quarters, including Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola, who expressed concern over the absence of a functional electoral commission. Speaking at a public forum, Lenaola warned of a potential constitutional crisis ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“How can a country like ours stand on its feet without an electoral commission? Elections are in 2027. This is 2024. When will this commission be prepared?” Lenaola questioned.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also joined calls for urgency, urging President Ruto to expedite the process during a meeting in Kiambu County.
With the appointments, the government now aims to resolve the leadership vacuum and ensure the IEBC is fully operational ahead of the 2027 elections. The selection panel will play a critical role in identifying suitable candidates to steer the electoral body through the next electoral cycle.
This development marks a significant step toward stabilizing the electoral process and restoring public confidence in Kenya’s democratic institutions.
