Ruto receives IEBC selection panel’s report on recruitment of commissioners
President William Ruto has received the report on the recruitment of nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from the IEBC Selection Panel at State House, Nairobi.
The panel chaired by Nelson Makanda, concluded its month-long interviews on April 25 after interviewing candidates for both the chairperson and commissioner positions.
By law, the selection panel is required to submit the names of two top candidates for the chairperson position to the President, who is expected to nominate one for parliamentary vetting and approval.
In addition, the panel has proposes nine names for the commissioner positions, from which the President is to nominate six individuals for parliamentary approval.
The President commended the panel for their commendable work.
He affirmed that he will undertake his constitutional responsibilities by nominating the selected candidates and forwarding their names to the National Assembly for consideration.
Ruto emphasised the importance of restoring the full functionality of the IEBC without delay, noting that a credible and operational electoral commission is essential in strengthening democracy, upholding the rule of law, and preparing for future electoral processes in a timely and transparent manner.
A total of 11 candidates were interviewed for the position of chairperson, among them former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi and ex-Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution Chairperson Charles Nyachae.
Other contenders included legal and governance experts such as Joy Mdivo, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, and Saul Simiyu Wasilwa.
The presentation of the report now paves the way for the reconstitution of the IEBC, whose absence has stalled several key electoral processes, including by-elections in various constituencies and wards, as well as preparations for the 2027 General Election.