Too close to power, three IEBC nominees flagged

TROUBLE is looming at the yet to be reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission with players raising impartiality concerns over nominees.

They claim a number have close ties with President William Ruto.

Lawyer Katwa Kigen, Charles Nyachae and Joy Mdivo’s nominations have been contested.

The opposition also dragged Raila Odinga’s ODM into the alleged plot to have friendly referees in the upcoming elections.

ODM has, however, denied the allegations.

The three were shortlisted for the influential IEBC chairperson position, and there is high likelihood that they could land the jobs.

Mdivo currently chairs President Ruto’s UDA Electoral Disputes Resolution Committee.

Lawyer Katwa Kigen has been Ruto’s personal advocate for years raising questions of his impartiality while Nyachae apart from being the close ally of the President, is currently serving an appointive position as the Chairperson of the Council of the Kenya School of Government.

Observers fear that mistrust in the electoral body could erode confidence in the democratic process, potentially triggering unrest.

In 2007, the then President Mwai Kibaki unilaterally appointed the commissions – a move blamed for plunging the country into a crisis.

Opposition leaders and civil society groups have voiced their reservations, questioning the independence of the nominees and transparency of the selection process.

They argued that appointing individuals perceived to be loyal to the President undermines the credibility of IEBC and risks eroding public trust.

In an interview with the Star, veteran activist Suba Churchill urged the Selection Panel to strike out all the nominees, especially those who are perceived to be so close to the President to safeguard public confidence in the commission.

“There are names of people who had been earmarked for certain positions. Charles Nyachae’s name had come up way before initial interviews were scheduled,” Churchill told the Star on phone.

“There are people who have been a little bit close to the powers that be and it is just good they are left out,” he said.

On Tuesday, opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party boss) and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K) claimed the ongoing process is being used to instal President William Ruto’s loyalists ahead of the 2027 elections.

“This nefarious exercise, we believe, is intended to rig the next general election to perpetuate the continuation of the Kenya Kwanza regime that has clearly lost the trust and confidence of the people of Kenya,” Karua said.

Elections Observation Group national and regional coordinator Mulle Musau dismissed the allegations, insisting that the nominees are qualified and are capable of making objective decisions.

“We can see names which are raising eyebrows but which name in this country will not raise eyebrows?” he asked.

“It is not so much about the names submitted, it is going to be about how they will conduct themselves because we have seen some very good people who turned out to be very unprofessional.”

“This exercise just needs to be expedited. Kenyans were given an opportunity to write memos which should be part of the vetting process,” Musau said.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi warns that if the concerns are not addressed, the integrity of future elections will be put into question.

Parliament on Wednesday granted the selection panel chaired by Nelson Makanda a two-week extension to conclude the exercise and settle on the final list to be presented to the President.

Initially, the committee’s mandate was set to expire on April 28, but it requested for additional time. Observers say this presents a critical opportunity to address the concerns raised and safeguard the independence of the IEBC.