Ruto Appoint IEBC Selection Panel

President William Ruto has appointed a nine-member selection panel to oversee the recruitment of new commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). This move comes after a nearly three-year delay due to legal challenges and political disputes.

The appointed members are:

• Kiome Lindah Gakii
• Oloo Adams
• James Evans Misati
• Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore
• Ambassador Koki Muli Grignon
• Carolene Kituku
• Tanui Andrew Kipkoech
• Nelson Makanda
• Fatuma Saman

The selection panel’s formation follows the enactment of the IEBC (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which President Ruto signed into law. This legislation expanded the selection panel from seven to nine members to ensure broader representation of stakeholders and interest groups.

The panel includes:

• Two individuals nominated by the Parliamentary Service Commission, representing both majority and minority parties.
• Three individuals nominated by the Political Parties Liaison Committee.
• One nominee from the Law Society of Kenya.
• One nominee from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
• Two representatives from the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya.

The panel is tasked with selecting nominees for the positions of chairperson and members of the IEBC. Once constituted, the panel will invite applications, shortlist candidates, and conduct interviews before forwarding the final list of nominees to the President for appointment.

This development is a significant step toward reconstituting the IEBC, which has been without commissioners, and aims to ensure that future elections are managed transparently and impartially.