President William Ruto has appointed members of the selection panel responsible for recruiting candidates for the Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The appointees are
- Prof. Adams Oloo,
- Dr. Nelson Makanda,
- Fatuma Saman,
- Amb. Koki Muli,
- Evans Misati,
- Nicodemus Bore Kipchirchir,
- Andrew Tanui Kipkoech,
- Carolene Kituku,
- Linda Kiome Gakii.
In a gazette notice dated January 27, 2025, President Ruto also revoked the appointment of panel members selected in 2023.
This decision therefore, comes as Ruto faces growing pressure to form the IEBC selection panel quickly. Many critics have accused him of delaying reforms and thus, meddling with independent institutions.
Delayed IEBC
Meanwhile, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka claimed over the weekend that serious issues, such as procurement irregularities, were happening within the IEBC Secretariat.
“On Monday, we hope to issue a clear statement about the situation.” Said Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka

Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni also emphasized the urgency, suggesting that a timely reconstitution of the IEBC could help Kalonzo win the presidency in 2027.
On a related note, DAP-Kenya Party leader Eugene Wamalwa criticized the government for taking nearly four years to reconstitute the IEBC, saying the delay showed a lack of commitment to electoral reforms.
Last Friday, the High Court cleared the way for President Ruto to appoint the IEBC selection panel after dismissing a petition filed by Bonface Njogu.
The petitioner had argued that persons with disabilities were excluded from the panel. However, Lady Justice Dola Chepkwony ruled that the claim lacked sufficient proof.
She further noted that the Constitution provides equal opportunities for all, and the panel’s formation followed the laid-out legal framework.
Additionally, the judge rejected another petition challenging Azimio’s nomination process, finding no evidence to support allegations of an unfair recruitment exercise.
These rulings have now paved the way for the selection process to proceed without further legal hurdles, signaling an important step toward stabilizing and reforming Kenya’s electoral process.
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