Prof Oloo defends appointment to IEBC panel, says he resigned from advisor role

Prof Adams Oloo now says he has resigned as President William Ruto’s advisor to focus on his role in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel.

His appointment to the panel came under scrutiny after former Law Society of Kenya CEO Apollo Mboya questioned his eligibility.

In a statement, Oloo said he consulted with the president, and they agreed on his resignation in late January.

“Given that my name was due to be forwarded to the President for formal gazettement as per the law. I, after consultation and in concurrence with the President, resigned from the position of advisor to the president. That resignation is contained in a letter dated January 24, 2025,” said Oloo.

He emphasised the importance of a credible IEBC, stating that electoral integrity is critical to national stability and democracy.

“I believe getting the IEBC right is critical to our future stability as a nation and our efforts to nurture democracy and hence my desire to participate in the process devoid of perceptions of partiality. That remains my position as I and my fellow panelists continue to undertake this noble task that with the support of all Kenyans can lead to the country having a credible Electoral body,”

Mboya had filed a petition challenging Oloo’s appointment, arguing that he was ineligible since he served as Ruto’s adviser.

The president appointed Oloo as a strategy and communications advisor in December 2024.