Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- Businesswoman and city politician Agnes Kagure has lauded the steps taken to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

On Monday, January 27, President William Ruto officially appointed a nine-member selection panel tasked with recruiting nominees for the positions of chairperson and six other commissioners of the IEBC.

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The decision came in the wake of Friday, January 24's High Court ruling, which lifted previous court orders that had halted the appointments.

The newly appointed panel comprises Kiome Linda Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda, and Fatuma Suman.

Commenting on the latest development, Kagure said it is time to organise and mobilise supporters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kagure urged the youths to ensure they register as voters in larger numbers to vote out incompetent leaders in the coming elections.

"With the IEBC reconstitution finally on track, we must begin organizing and mobilizing, and the youth must lead from the front. The time to kick out incompetent leaders begins now. Organize and mobilize!" Kagure said.

Kagure, who has a keen interest in supporting youth groups, challenged youths to mobilize themselves and take part in electing good leaders.

"Good things happen when the youth unite, organize and work toward a common goal. Don't be left behind; be the change you wish to see, and we'll support. Youth is not just an age; it's a force of change. Your voice matters. Your voter matters. Your ideas matter. Don't sit on the sideline, step into the arena and be change you seek," she added.

Meanwhile, the High Court ruling, delivered by Justice Dola Chepkwony, marked a significant step forward in the process of reconstituting the IEBC.

The judge dismissed allegations that the panel's composition lacked inclusivity, particularly concerning the representation of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).

In her decision, Justice Chepkwony noted that there was insufficient evidence to support claims that PWDs were excluded or that the panel failed to meet the constitutional requirements for gender and regional balance.

As reported earlier, the empowerment activist officially declared her candidacy for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 elections, aiming to unseat the incumbent, Governor Johnson Sakaja.

Kagure's announcement was made via her personal social media pages, where she reminisced about her previous attempt in 2022.

Kagure contested for the Nairobi governor seat as an independent candidate after her party denied her a nomination ticket.

This time, with lessons learned and a renewed determination, Kagure vows there is no taking chances.

Agnes Kagure is a fairly common figure in Kenyan politics and social activism. The businesswoman has been involved in community empowerment, particularly focusing on youth and women's issues.

Kagure previously contested for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2022 elections, where she came fourth after Johnson Sakaja, Polycarp Igathe and Harman Grewal.

She is a fierce advocate for better governance, and transparency, and has been vocal about the need for Nairobi to have a leader who understands and represents its diverse population effectively.

Source: TUKO.co.ke