The selection process for Kenya’s next Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson has entered its second day, with 11 candidates in the race for the top electoral body position. The interviews, being conducted publicly at the College of Insurance in Nairobi’s South C, are being overseen by a selection panel tasked with restoring leadership at the commission.
The vetting process began on Monday with four candidates—Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan, former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi, former East African Court of Justice Judge Charles Ayako Nyachae, and Edward Katama Ngeywa—facing the panel.
Integrity concerns took center stage during the session, with Anne Amadi questioned over her alleged involvement in the 2023 gold scandal. Charles Nyachae was also pressed to respond to allegations related to extramarital affairs and past controversies.
On Tuesday, the selection panel in
set to interview Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, and Joy Brenda Masinde-Mdivo. The final three candidates—Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, Robert Akumu Asembo, and Saul Simiyu Wasilwa—will appear before the panel on Wednesday.
The position of IEBC chairperson attracted 37 applicants, with the selection panel expected to recommend the most suitable candidate for appointment.
Meanwhile, interviews for the six vacant IEBC commissioner positions are set to begin on Thursday, March 28. A total of 105 candidates, including 32 women, have been shortlisted for the roles.
Kenya has been without a fully functional electoral commission since January 17, 2023, following the exit of the previous leadership. The appointment of a new chairperson and commissioners is expected to restore stability to the electoral body ahead of the next election cycle.
