Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) continues to receive applications from Kenyans interested in joining the commission.

This follows President William Ruto’s appointment of a nine-member selection panel to oversee the recruitment process.

Speaking from Naivasha on Tuesday, February 11, panel chairperson Nelson Makanda announced that 339 applications for the position of IEBC chairperson had been submitted as the application deadline approaches.

"The panel proceeded to seek applications from qualified and interested persons. So far, as of February 10, we have received 339 applications," Makanda stated.

Vice Chairperson Lindah Kiome expressed confidence in the panel’s timeline, noting that the process was on track.

"If we submit the names by April 25, it means that by May, we should have a new commission in accordance with the law," she said.

Despite progress, the panel faces legal challenges. Lawyer Apollo Mboya filed a petition at the Milimani Law Courts seeking to block the appointment of Professor Adams Oloo to the selection panel.

Oloo, who currently serves as Strategy and Communications Advisor in the Office of the President, is accused of being unable to fairly represent the Parliamentary Service Commission—one of the key stakeholders in the process—due to a perceived conflict of interest.

Mboya argues that Oloo’s appointment violates the principle of impartiality and the separation of powers, raising concerns about the integrity of the selection process.

However, the panel stated that it has not received any court orders halting its activities.

"I will leave it to the courts to make a decision, but as far as we are concerned, there are no injunctions. Therefore, we are continuing with our work with that member until directed otherwise by the court," Kiome said.

Makanda reaffirmed the panel’s commitment to delivering a credible outcome.

"Of the task that we have been given, we will solidly discharge it so that we provide this country with an honourable commission that will foster democracy in Kenya," he concluded.

City politician Agnes Kagure, while addressing the ongoing reconstitution of the IEBC following the appointment of the selection panel, called for preparation and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

She urged youths to register as voters in large numbers to help vote out incompetent leaders in the upcoming polls.

Kagure, who has declared her candidacy for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, encouraged young people to take an active role in shaping the country’s leadership.

Source: TUKO.co.ke