President Ruto receives final report on IEBC nominee selection
The report outlines the results of the recruitment process for both the Chairperson and Members of the electoral body.
President William Ruto is now expected to forward names of proposed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials to parliament after receiving the final report from the selection panel.
The panel, which concluded a month-long interview exercise, presented its findings at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday.
The report outlines the results of the recruitment process for both the Chairperson and Members of the electoral body.
Ruto on Tuesday praised the team led by Nelson Makanda for their work, saying he appreciated their efforts in completing the assignment.
"This morning, I received the report on the recruitment of nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from the IEBC Selection Panel, State House, Nairobi. I commend the panel, chaired by Dr Nelson Makanda, for their diligent and commendable work," Ruto said.
He confirmed that he would act on the report as guided by the law.
"In accordance with the provisions of the IEBC Act, I will nominate and transmit the names to the National Assembly in full fidelity to the constitutional principles that guide our system of governance," Ruto stated.
The submission of the report comes after the panel wrapped up the interview stage, which began on March 27 and ended on April 25.
The exercise marked the final step in filling vacant IEBC positions left after the exit of previous office holders.
The process began with interviews for the Chairperson position, which were completed on March 26. Eleven individuals were interviewed for the top seat.
Among them were former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi and Charles Nyachae, who previously chaired the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution.
Other candidates for the Chairperson role included Saul Simiyu Wasilwa, Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan, Joy Mdivo, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, and Robert Akumu Asembo.
Following the chairperson interviews, attention shifted to candidates seeking to serve as commissioners.
A total of 111 individuals had been shortlisted for these roles. Out of that number, 106 appeared before the selection panel for interviews.
The conclusion of interviews allowed the panel to compile its final report, which was presented to the Head of State for further action.
The next step will see President Ruto formally nominate the successful candidates and forward their names to the National Assembly for consideration.
Once the names are approved, the new officials will take up their positions at the IEBC, preparing the commission for future electoral responsibilities.