Dear honorable members, Your appointment to oversee the selection of Kenya’s next Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission commissioners is a solemn duty that carries immense responsibility.
The success of our elections and, ultimately, the stability of our nation depend on the integrity and competence of those you choose.
Your task is not just a procedural one – it is a moral and patriotic obligation to select individuals who will inspire confidence in our electoral process and safeguard our democracy.
The importance of a functional and credible electoral commission cannot be overstated.
The IEBC holds the key to upholding Kenya’s democratic principles and ensuring that the will of the people is reflected accurately through the ballot box.
A compromised or incompetent electoral commission undermines the very foundation of our democracy and erodes public confidence in our electoral process.
Allow me to remind you that Kenya’s electoral history is riddled with lessons, many of them painful.
Time and again, electoral commissions have failed to meet the aspirations of the Kenyan people, plunging the nation into political crises.
The 2007 post-election violence, which left over 1,000 people dead and hundreds of thousands displaced, was a direct consequence of a commission that had lost public trust.
The Kriegler Commission, which investigated the disputed election, pointed to institutional weaknesses, lack of independence, and external interference as key failings of the Electoral Commission of Kenya.
In 2013, 2017 and 2022 the IEBC was again put to the test. With this history in mind, your task as the selection panel is clear: Kenya cannot afford another flawed electoral commission.
The process of appointing IEBC commissioners must be shielded from political interference or manipulation. The integrity of our electoral system hinges on the independence and impartiality of the commission.
Therefore, appointments should be based on merit, experience, and a demonstrated commitment to upholding the rule of law.
With this in mind, here is what you must look for in the candidates: First, unquestionable integrity. The IEBC has been accused of bias, corruption and political manipulation.
The new commissioners must be individuals with a track record of ethical conduct and resistance to external influence.
Second, proven competence and experience. The complexities of election management require individuals who understand electoral laws, logistics and technology.
Candidates must demonstrate expertise in handling electoral systems and dispute resolution.
Third, independence and impartiality. Commissioners must be free from political baggage. They should not have affiliations with political parties or be seen as proxies for any interest groups.
Fourth, commitment to transparency and accountability. Public confidence in elections is built on openness.
The new team must be willing to operate in a transparent manner, ensuring that every process is above board and publicly accessible.
Fifth, resilience and courage. The electoral process in Kenya is fraught with pressure, threats and intimidation. The commissioners must have the fortitude to withstand political pressure and make decisions in the best interest of the country.
Selecting such individuals requires more than just reviewing CVs and conducting interviews. You must conduct thorough background checks, scrutinise past conduct and seek public input.
Do not fall into the trap of political horse-trading or compromise on merit for the sake of expediency. Kenya stands at a crossroads.
The 2027 election will be a defining moment, and the credibility of that process begins with you. Do not let history repeat itself. Give Kenyans an IEBC they can trust. This process should be transparent, inclusive, and guided by the principles of fairness and accountability.
