NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel has finally been sworn in at the Supreme Court in Nairobi.
The swearing-in of the nine-member committee came hours after President William Ruto appointed the group via a Special Gazette Notice No. 715 published on Monday, January 25, 2025.
Who are the members of the IEBC Selection Panel
President Ruto appointed Kiome Lindah Gakii, Communication professional Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, and Ambassador Koki Muli Grignon Carolene Kituku Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman as members of the panel.
Following their swearing-in, Chief Justice Martha Koome and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged the team to speed up the recruitment exercise.
CJ Koome observed that for the past two years, Kenya has endured an unacceptable situation—an electoral commission without commissioners.
Why IEBC has faced a power vacuum for the past three years
Since January 2023, the IEBC has been unable to fully discharge its constitutional mandate, creating significant gaps in our electoral processes.
“The effects of this vacuum have been far-reaching: vital functions such as boundary delimitation, voter registration, and by-elections have been stalled. Even more concerning, the absence of a duly constituted commission has denied some constituencies and wards their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly and County Assemblies,” she said.
Following the gazettement of the members of the IEBC Selection Panel by the President H.E @WilliamsRuto this morning, I have communicated to the Secretary to the Parliamentary Service Commission, Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye to put in place all the necessary arrangements required to…
According to CJ, this is not just an administrative challenge but a democratic disruption.
“We cannot, and we must not allow such a situation to persist any longer. The Constitution is clear: governance must be continuous, institutions must function effectively, and the rights of Kenyans must not be held hostage by uncertainty or unnecessary delays,” said the CJ.
What Moses Wetang’ula directed Jeremiah Nyegenye
On his part, Speaker Wetang’ula disclosed that he had communicated to the secretary to the Parliamentary Service Commission, Jeremiah Nyegenye, to put in place all the necessary arrangements required to facilitate the work of the panel as obligated by the law.
“The Act obligates the Commission to provide secretariat services and facilities to the Panel and to meet its expenditure,” said Speaker Wetang’ula.
Further, noting this is a matter of huge national importance, Speaker Wetang’ula urged the Selection Panel to expedite and conclude the recruitment process of the IEBC commissioners at the earliest available opportunity per the law.
This morning, I have sworn in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel at the Supreme Court building. The importance of this step cannot be overstated. The role of the panel in constituting the IEBC is critical to the future of our country. The…
Meanwhile, CJ Koome urged the team to pick men and women of integrity who will inspire trust and confidence in the electoral body.
“The future of Kenya’s democracy depends on the integrity of the men and women you select to lead the IEBC. The commissioners you appoint must be individuals of untainted credibility—committed to independence, impartiality, and the principles enshrined in our Constitution,” she said.
CJ Koome reiterated that the IEBC is not just another government agency but is the custodian of Kenya’s electoral integrity, and its composition must reflect the highest standards of professionalism and credibility.
