The government has explained the delay in reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Dennis Itumbi, head of the Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Office of the President, disclosed that a court order is hindering the reconstitution process.
His comments come amid growing calls for the government to expedite the process.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka recently suggested that the delay might be part of a deliberate strategy by the state to advance some interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supreme Court Justice Isaac Lenaola has also criticized the Executive and Parliament for the delay.
However, Itumbi defended the government’s position, stating that President William Ruto showed his commitment to reconstituting the IEBC as early as March 2023.
“It is inaccurate to claim that the President is deliberately delaying the formation of the commission,” Itumbi said.
He further explained that the relevant bodies — including the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, the Parliamentary Service Commission, the Public Service Commission, and the Political Parties Liaison Committee — had all submitted their nominees for the selection panel, fulfilling the legal requirements.
However, the process was interrupted by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) discussions. “After NADCO, a legal dispute arose.
Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party advocated for Koki Muli’s inclusion on the panel, while the minority parties in Azimio supported Augustine Muli,” Itumbi explained.
He clarified that the Political Parties Liaison Committee had submitted three names for the panel, and on July 26, 2024, an election was held.

Former IEBC team chaired by Wafula Chebukati.
The dispute arose after Koki Muli of Wiper lost to Augustine Muli of the National Liberal Party.
Augustine secured 17 votes, while Koki received 7, leading to a disagreement that culminated in a court case.
Currently, a court order is in place, preventing any further action until the legal matter is resolved.
“Once the legal issues are settled, President Ruto is ready to take the necessary steps. The panel will then move forward with advertising positions, interviewing candidates for commissioner roles, and submitting their recommendations for appointment,” Itumbi clarified.