The long-awaited process of appointing a new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) team is set to begin on Monday, March 24, as interviews for shortlisted candidates kick off.
The Dr. Nelson Makanda-led selection panel has been tasked with selecting a new IEBC chairperson and six commissioners to replace the previous team, which exited under controversial circumstances following the 2022 General Election.
Among the 11 candidates shortlisted for the chairperson position are former Judiciary Registrar Anne Amadi, ex-CIC Chairperson Charles Nyachae, Kenya Power Board Chairperson Joy Brenda Mdivo, and lawyer Abdulqadir Ramadhan. The interviews will run until April 24, 2025, at the College of Insurance in South C, Nairobi.
However, the selection process has already attracted legal challenges, with petitions filed against Nyachae and Mdivo over allegations of holding conflicting public offices. A lobby group, Operation Linda Jamii, argues that their current positions violate Article 260 of the Constitution, which bars public officers from holding multiple state roles.
Additionally, 105 candidates have been shortlisted for the six commissioner positions, including former Nairobi County executive Mohamed Dagane, a governance expert with extensive public sector experience.
The vacancies arose following the departure of former chair Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, whose terms expired in January 2023. Meanwhile, the infamous “Cherera Four” were forced out after disputing the 2022 presidential election results.
With the 2027 elections fast approaching, the selection panel faces pressure to restore public confidence in the IEBC and ensure a transparent recruitment process.
