President William Ruto’s lawyer Katwa Kigen withdrew from the ongoing interviews for the position of commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Kigen, who was slated to appear before the IEBC selection panel on Thursday, cited the need to avoid unnecessary attention that could distract from the commission’s core mandate.
Kigen represented Ruto during the 2022 presidential petition at the Supreme Court and was part of his International Criminal Court defence.
His candidacy had raised impartiality concerns due to his close ties with the president.
His decision to step back comes amid growing scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.
This comes in the wake of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel being under pressure to explain the move to suddenly and silently include six additional candidates for the position of Commissioners.
This could derail the process that is already facing credibility issues.
This unexpected twist has sparked controversy, raising questions about transparency and accountability in a process already tainted by skepticism from the opposition.
The initial list, published on March 14, 2025, featured 105 candidates vying for the coveted positions.
About 11 days later on March 25, the list expanded to 111 candidates a change that was not properly explained.
The latest drama surrounding six extra names serving the latest query among Kenyans.
The Selection Panel, led by Nelson Makanda, has failed to provide any satisfactory explanation, merely suggesting they forgot to include the names.
The six names added to the vetting list are: Hassan Noor Hassan, Jibril Maalim Mohamed, Michaels Ben Oliewo, Charles Kipyegon Mutai, Stephen Kibet Ngeno, and Joel Mwita Daniel.
The only explanation so far from chairperson Makanda has been vague, stating that: “The mandate to shortlist belongs to the panel. The nation should wait for the list of 11 nominees to judge us. We shall do Kenyans proud.”
Makanda’s response lacking the necessary explanation on why the names were left out at the initial stage, despite all the candidates submitting their documents by the required deadline.
With the interviews of the 111 shortlisted candidates set to conclude by May 12, the Selection Panel will then submit two names for the chairperson position and nine for the commissioners.
From there, the President will select the final chairperson and six commissioners.
But with the six surprise candidates, the question of public trust in the electoral body will remain a dark cloud.
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