IEBC vetting: Lawyer Simiyu Wasilwa on the spot over status of practicing certificate

IEBC chairperson candidate and lawyer Saul Simiyu Wasilwa speaking during an interview before the IEBC selection panel at the Edge Convention center, South C on March 26, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI

A lawyer eyeing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson position was on Wednesday put to task over the status of his practicing certificate.

While appearing before the IEBC Selection Panel for vetting, Saul Simiyu Wasilwa could not state clearly whether he was eligible to apply for a practicing certificate for 2025 or not.

Panel member Lindah Gakii put Wasilwa to task on whether he had enough CPD points for 2024 to qualify for a practicing certificate for 2025.

CPD points, short for Continuing Professional Development points, are a way to track and document the learning and professional development activities undertaken by individuals throughout their careers.

They serve as evidence of an individual's commitment to continuous learning and professional development, which can be crucial for maintaining professional licences or certifications, and demonstrating competence in their field.

“Part of our work as a panel is to ensure we have a very honest person as the chair of the IEBC who will be able to give Kenyans a transparent and credible election,” Gakii said.

Gakii noted that Wasilwa had indicated that he has applied for a practicing certificate this year.

“You said you have applied for your PC for this this year. Do you have any CPD points for the year 2024. Did you attend any CPD seminars?” she posed.

“Lasty year, you had zero CPD points and you are required to have five points to apply for PC for this year.”

Wasilwa, however, maintained that he attended CPD programmes last year.

Gakii put it across to him that LSK portal is automated and will not issue an invoice if an applicant for a practising certificate does not have at least five CPD points.

Wasilwa is among 11 candidates who were shortlisted to fill the vacancy left following the end of the tenure of the late IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati.

The others include former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi, Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan, Joy Mdivo, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, Robert Akumu Asembo, and Charles Nyachae.

The vetting for the chairman's position will end on Wednesday, paving way for the start of the vetting process of 105 candidates shortlisted to fill six vacant IEBC comissioner posts.