IEBC selection panel concludes interviews as focus shifts to Ruto

IEBC selection panel chairperson Dr. Nelson Makanda leads other members of the panel during a press briefing on the concluded interviews of the IEBC chairperson candidates at the Edge Convention Centre, South C on March 26, 2025/FILE

The selection panel tasked with appointing the chairperson and six commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) concluded its interviews on April 25, following a month-long vetting exercise.

Chaired by Nelson Makanda, the panel completed interviews for the IEBC chairperson position on March 26, turning its attention to the selection of commissioners.

A total of 11 candidates were interviewed for the chairperson role, including former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi and former Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution Chairperson Charles Nyachae.

Other candidates included Saul Simiyu Wasilwa, Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan, Joy Mdivo, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, and Robert Akumu Asembo.

By law, the selection panel is required to submit the names of two top candidates for chairperson to President William Ruto, who will nominate one for vetting and approval by Parliament.

Sources indicate that Nyachae, Ethekon, Mdivo, Amadi, and Lorot are emerging as front-runners in the race for the top job.

The interviews for IEBC commissioner positions began on March 27, 2025, and concluded on April 25. Out of 111 shortlisted candidates, 106 appeared before the panel for interviews.

The law mandates the selection panel to forward the names of nine candidates for commissioner positions, from which the President will appoint six, subject to parliamentary vetting and approval.

Following the conclusion of interviews, President Ruto is expected to receive the final list of 11 nominees by May 9, at the earliest.

The panel is set to retreat for a week starting April 28 to compile its report, after Parliament extended its mandate by 14 days, from April 28 to May 12.

Political leaders have recently urged President Ruto to engage in consultations with key stakeholders before making final appointments to enhance public trust in the IEBC ahead of the 2027 general election.

The country is racing against time to put in place the IEBC commission, not only to prepare for the 2027 general election but also to preside over the pending by-elections across the country.