Ruto walks on tightrope amid anxiety over new IEBC lineup

President William Ruto faces a delicate balancing act as he prepares to appoint the 11 candidates tasked with overseeing the 2027 General Election.

On Tuesday, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda, submitted its report to the President, recommending two candidates for chairperson and nine for commissioners.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001518225/ruto-receives-iebc-nominees-report-to-submit-names-to-parliament">This marked the< culmination of a process sparked by violent protests and legal battles following the disputed 2022 presidential election, which claimed over 100 lives.

The panel, sworn in on January 27, was formed after prolonged unrest and a bipartisan agreement between Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga. The team emerged from the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco), established to address post-2022 election tensions. Its creation followed a dramatic walkout by four former IEBC commissioners, dubbed the “Cherera Four,” who disowned the 2022 results announced by then-chairperson Wafula Chebukati.

The panel faced legal challenges over inclusivity but was cleared by the High Court on January 24 after a petition by Wiper Party’s Koki Muli and National Liberal Party’s Augustus Muli.

Despite the panel’s completion of its work, controversies persist. Opposition leaders, led by Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have warned Ruto against appointing IEBC commissioners without bipartisan consultation, as mandated by the Constitution and Nadco recommendations.

In a letter to Ruto, Kalonzo emphasised that excluding the opposition or limiting consultations to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and ODM, would undermine public trust and create a partisan IEBC. He noted that ODM’s alignment with Kenya Kwanza has left Wiper and the Democratic Action Party as the primary opposition voices.

“Bipartisan engagement is vital to maintain electoral integrity and avoid political instability,” Kalonzo stated, urging Ruto to await the panel’s exit report before proceeding.

The Nadco report, adopted by Parliament in February 2024, requires concurrence between ruling and opposition coalitions for IEBC appointments.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001517488/iebc-selection-panel-dismisses-reports-of-narrowing-list-of-commission-chair-to-four">The panel vetted< high-profile candidates for the chairperson position, including former Judiciary Registrar Anne Amadi, Charles Nyachae (former East African Court of Justice judge), and Kenya Power Chairperson Joy Brenda Mdivo.

After interviews concluded on April 25, the panel forwarded its recommendations to Ruto.

Ruto commended the panel’s “diligent and commendable work” and pledged to nominate candidates in line with constitutional principles.

He is expected to submit one chairperson and six commissioners to the National Assembly for approval within seven days. The assembly has 28 days, until May 31, to vet and approve or reject the nominees. If approved, Ruto will appoint the commissioners via a gazette notice by June 8.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/counties/article/2001511580/iebc-selection-panel-assures-new-electoral-body-will-in-office-by-may">The IEBC’s reconstitution< is critical, as its absence has stalled by-elections in seven constituencies, including Mbeere North, Ugunja, Banisa and Magarini, and 14 wards, while delaying preparations for 2027.

Magarini’s election was nullified by the Supreme Court in March 2024 for ballot stuffing, while Banisa has lacked an MP since March 2023 following the death of Kullow Hassan.

Makanda declined to disclose the nominees’ names, stating it was the president’s prerogative.

As Ruto navigates this process, balancing opposition demands with the need for a credible electoral body will be crucial to restoring public trust and ensuring a stable path to 2027.