NAIROBI, Kenya – IEBC commissioner nominee Hassan Noor Hassan on Saturday confirmed that he is the brother-in-law of Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, a senior opposition figure and Minority Leader in the National Assembly.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, Hassan was pressed on affidavits that raised questions about potential political ties and conflicts of interest.
“Mr. Chairman, I am related to Honourable Junet Mohamed. I am his brother-in-law,” Hassan stated, adding, “And as his brother-in-law, I existed long before Junet was born.”
The remarks drew some amusement but underscored a serious concern: the need for public confidence in the independence of Kenya’s electoral commission.
Hassan insisted that his relationship with the MP would not influence his conduct or decisions if appointed to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The committee acknowledged his explanation, but emphasized that perceived impartiality is just as crucial as actual impartiality for the credibility of electoral institutions.
While no legal barriers prevent relatives of politicians from serving in the IEBC, the committee noted that such associations must be disclosed and considered seriously, particularly in a politically charged environment where public trust in the electoral process is under constant scrutiny.
The vetting process continues as Parliament evaluates several other nominees to fill vacant commissioner positions at the IEBC ahead of the 2027 general election.
