Nderitu defends IEBC nomination amid eligibility concerns

Registrar of Political Parties Anne Njeri Nderitu has defended her nomination to serve as a commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, saying her current role does not bar her from seeking the position.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on Saturday, Nderitu told lawmakers that she is still eligible and has not broken any law by expressing interest in the job.

"When I was applying for the job, I was fully aware that one cannot be appointed as a commissioner while still holding a state office," she said.

"This is a process. I have not been appointed, and the law allows one to resign before formal appointment."

Nderitu’s comments came after committee member Otiende Amollo raised questions about her nomination.

"We have submissions objecting to your nomination on the grounds that you are currently serving as the Registrar of Political Parties, and therefore, ineligible for the position of IEBC commissioner," Amollo said.

In her response, Nderitu pointed to a 2014 National Assembly ruling where the Speaker clarified that a public office is not considered vacant upon nomination but only upon appointment.

"Based on that precedent, I believe I am in full compliance. Resignation is only necessary just before appointment, not nomination," she explained.

Nderitu, who has served as Registrar since 2019, said her experience in overseeing political parties and driving electoral reforms places her in a strong position to contribute to the IEBC.

Her vetting comes as Parliament resumes the selection process for new IEBC commissioners.

The process had been delayed for months due to a court case filed by petitioners who claimed the list of nominees lacked proper regional and gender balance.

Although the court allowed the vetting to proceed, it ruled that no appointments or swearing-in should happen until the matter is fully heard and determined.