The 9-member panel tasked with selecting new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners has officially commenced its work.
President William Ruto appointed the panel, which includes Kiome Lindah Gakii, Prof. Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Amb. Koki Muli Grignon, and Carolene Kituku. The remaining members are Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Dr. Nelson Makanda, and Fatuma Saman.
In a gazette notice dated January 27, 2025, President Ruto revoked the appointments of the members of the IEBC selection panel made in 2023, paving the way for the new panel’s work.
During the swearing-in ceremony today(Monday, January 27) Chief Justice Martha Koome emphasized the critical importance of the panel’s mandate. She urged the members to ensure they appoint commissioners of high integrity, underscoring that the IEBC must reflect the highest standards of professionalism and credibility.
“The commissioners you appoint must be individuals of untainted credibility—committed to independence, impartiality, and the principles enshrined in our Constitution,” Koome said. “The IEBC is not just another government agency; it is the custodian of our electoral integrity.”
The panel is expected to conduct interviews and appoint new commissioners within 90 days.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has directed the Secretary to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), Jeremiah Nyegenye, to facilitate the panel’s operations.
This development follows a High Court ruling on Friday, which dismissed a petition challenging the constitutionality of the panel’s formation. The ruling came after growing pressure on President Ruto to establish the panel and address concerns over delays in reforms.
