The National Assembly has opened the door for public participation in the ongoing vetting process for nominees to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Citizens are being asked to submit sworn affidavits addressing the suitability of the individuals nominated to serve as Chairperson and Commissioners of the electoral body. The deadline for submissions is set for Wednesday, 21st May 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
This move comes ahead of scheduled approval hearings, which will take place on Monday, 26th May 2025. The process was triggered after President William Ruto forwarded the list of nominees to Parliament. On Friday, 9th May 2025, the Speaker of the National Assembly formally notified Members of Parliament and referred the nominees’ names and credentials to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs for review.
Among those nominated is Erastus Edung Ethekon, a 48-year-old expected to assume the role of Chairperson. He is joined by six others selected from across the country, including Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu from Nyandarua, alongside Moses Alutalala Mukhwana from Kakamega, Mary Karen Sorobit from Uasin Gishu, Hassan Noor Hassan from Mandera, Francis Odhiambo Aduol from Kisumu, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah from Lamu.
The public now has a critical opportunity to contribute to this constitutional process, ensuring that the individuals entrusted with overseeing Kenya’s elections are thoroughly vetted and held to the highest standards.
