The Notable National Youth Leaders Caucus and the Inter-Party Youth Forum have written to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, strongly protesting the exclusion of young, qualified candidates from the recently published shortlist for the positions of Chairperson and Commissioners.
The youth organizations, led by Alex Matere and Kidi Mwaga, have expressed outrage and disappointment over what they term as a deliberate sidelining of competent young applicants.
In a letter addressed to the selection panel, the groups accused the panel of favoring individuals with tainted pasts and deep political affiliations while locking out deserving youth candidates.
“The youth of this country have been shocked, outraged and dismayed by the shortlist published by the Selection Panel for the position of Chair and Commissioners of IEBC,” the letter reads.
“We outrightly reject the list, which fails to reflect the constitutional principles of inclusivity, fairness and equal opportunity.”
The protest letter highlights several concerns, including the sudden inclusion of new names in an addendum published on March 14 which were not present in the longlist released on March 6.
The youth leaders questioned how these names surfaced despite there being no official extension of the application period.
Furthermore, the youth groups have raised alarm over the integrity of the shortlisted candidates, claiming that the list features individuals with questionable backgrounds, including money launderers, persons charged with economic crimes, individuals with active and pending corruption cases, political party operatives and party officials, officers previously impeached or dismissed from public office over corruption allegations and current and former state officers ineligible for appointment.
Despite the large number of qualified young applicants who met the constitutional requirements for the positions, none were included in the shortlist, raising suspicions of bias in the selection process.
The youth groups have put forward four key demands. They are calling for transparency in the selection process, insisting that the panel must publicly explain the criteria used to eliminate youth applicants.
They demand an immediate review of the selection process to incorporate qualified youth candidates. They want the current shortlist annulled and a fresh list published, ensuring at least 50 per cent representation of youth and persons with disabilities, in line with the principle of inclusivity.
Additionally, they are asking for the publication of the criteria used in the selection and elimination process, as required by Article 35 (1) (a) & (b) of the 2010 Constitution.
The youth leaders have warned that failure to address these grievances within 48 hours will result in nationwide protests, legal action, and parliamentary intervention.
“We reject any process that seeks to entrench the same tainted electoral officials whose actions, by omission or commission, have historically led to disputed elections and loss of young lives. This selection process is evidently flawed and designed to produce a predetermined outcome,” the letter states.
The protest against the IEBC shortlist adds to growing concerns over transparency and fairness in Kenya’s electoral processes, with youth leaders vowing to continue fighting for representation and accountability in key national institutions.
