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

- The National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) has approved President William Ruto’s nominees to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

On Tuesday, June 3, the committee chaired by MP George Murugara tabled its report for debate by the whole House.

Murugara's team recommended that the House endorse the committee’s decision, arguing that they found all seven nominees suitable for appointment.

“I beg to give notice of the following motion, that taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs in its report on the vetting of nominees for appointment as chairperson and members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), laid on the Table of the House today, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, pursuant to the provisions of Article 250(2)(b) of the Constitution, [the House] approves the appointment of Erastus Edung Ethekon as the chairperson and Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah as members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC),” Murugara said.

The whole House will debate the report, where it will either approve or reject the nominees before sending the names to the president for formal appointment.

Those approved are Erastus Edung Ethekon for the commission chairperson, Ann Njeru Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukwhana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol and Fahima Araphat Abdallah as commissioners.

The latest development comes days after the High Court issued a mixed ruling regarding the vetting of IEBC nominees.

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, May 29, Justice Lawrence Mugambi allowed the National Assembly to proceed with the vetting of Ruto’s seven nominees to the electoral body.

However, the court also issued an order halting the swearing-in and gazettement of the nominees, pending the resolution of a constitutional petition that challenges the process.

In his ruling, Justice Mugambi stated that while the National Assembly is allowed to vet the nominees, they must not take the oath of office or assume any roles at the IEBC until the court has heard and made a ruling on the constitutional issues raised.

He emphasised the importance of judicial review of the selection process, noting the significant public interest and legal concerns it has sparked.

The petition was filed by activists Boniface Mwangi and Kelvin Roy, who argued that the nominations breached the law and the principles of transparency.

Represented by seasoned lawyer Paul Muite and advocate Douglas Otieno, the petitioners contended that the IEBC Selection Panel exceeded its authority and failed to adhere to the constitutional standards required.

Source: TUKO.co.ke