The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel has refuted allegations that it secretly added six extra names to the list of candidates scheduled for interviews for the positions of Chairperson and Commissioners.
Speaking on Friday, April 25, Panel Chairperson Nelson Makanda dismissed the claims, affirming that the additions were made in full compliance with legal and constitutional requirements.
He stated that the list was updated to promote regional balance, youth inclusion, and overall diversity in line with constitutional principles.
“It is important to note that on March 25, the selection panel further reviewed the long list and decided to update the shortlist to include 111 candidates.
This was done to enhance compliance with constitutional requirements,” Makanda said, defending the panel’s actions.
The recruitment process had come under scrutiny after it was revealed that six new names had been added to the shortlist, raising the total number from 105 to 111.
This sparked concern among legal experts, politicians, and civil society groups, with some questioning the transparency and legality of the process.
Makanda, however, stood firm, emphasizing that the panel had adhered strictly to the law throughout the process. “We celebrate the democratic space and have followed the law with utmost fidelity,” he stated.
The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) voiced concern over the changes, noting that while the panel had communicated the additions and offered general reasons, the process used to select the six candidates was unclear.
ELOG called for a detailed public explanation of the selection procedure and urged the panel to maintain openness, especially given the urgency of appointing new commissioners.
Interviews for the 11 shortlisted chairperson candidates were held from March 24 to March 26, while interviews for commissioner candidates ran from March 27 to April 25.
The panel is expected to retreat and finalize its recommendations before submitting a list of 11 nominees to President William Ruto by May 9.
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