Opposition chiefs threaten to challenge IEBC reconstitution

The much-anticipated reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is likely to hit another obstacle, reports Citizen Digital.

This comes as opposition leaders threaten legal action if they are not fully involved in the selection of the chairperson.

The opposition insists that the appointment process must uphold the principles of consultation and mutual agreement, emphasizing that they expect the president to engage them before officially announcing the final candidate.

Meanwhile, the selection panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda, is in the process of interviewing candidates for the commissioner positions.

Opposition leaders, led by Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Martha Karua (PLP), and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), have raised concerns that President William Ruto may be laying the groundwork to influence the next general elections.

They argue that some of his close allies are among those being interviewed for commissioner positions, casting doubt on the credibility of the selection process.

During a press briefing, opposition leaders expressed concerns over certain candidates shortlisted by the selection panel, citing issues related to integrity and potential conflicts of interest.

The nomination process for the IEBC selection panel had faced prolonged delays due to a dispute involving Azimio’s Augustus Muli and Koki Muli.

However, the panel was officially constituted on January 31, with its members taking the oath of office.

The team, comprising Kiome Lindah Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda, and Fatuma Saman, has been tasked with overseeing the recruitment of candidates for the positions of IEBC Chairperson and Commissioners.