The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has flagged the mysterious addition of six names in the recruitment process for new commissioners and the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement released on April 9, ELOG acknowledged the IEBC selection panel for transparency exhibited throughout the process, which began two weeks ago.
However, the election watchdog noted concern about the unexplained expansion of the candidate list for commissioner positions. Despite there being 104 names on March 14, a revised list of names showed 111 candidates on March 25.
"While noting that the panel did communicate on the increase and the general reasons behind it, concerns remain on the procedure used to select the additional names and raises questions as to why this criterion was not employed from the beginning as directed by the relevant laws and regulations," a statement from ELOG said.
In their list of demands, ELOG called on the IEBC selection panel to publicly explain the process used to bring in the six new applicants.
ELOG further urged the panel to come up with a comprehensive response on the addition of fresh interviewees, since the appointment of new commissioners was a time-sensitive exercise.
The statement added: "Noting that the Commission duties are time-barred, the country cannot afford further delays in bringing on board commissioners and therefore urge the Panel to expedite the process."
With the commission struggling with the issue of public trust, the demand by ELOG is likely to throw a spanner in the works with the interviews set to be concluded in the coming days.
Another twist in the selection process this week has been the withdrawal of lawyer Katwa Kigen from the interview process.
Kigen, who defended President William Ruto during his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his alleged role in the 2007/2008 post-election skirmishes, said he wanted to avoid 'unnecessary diversion' from the commission's critical role.
His withdrawal came just moments before he appeared before the IEBC selection panel on Thursday, April 10.
His shortlisting for the commissioner position initially with many voicing their concerns over his impartiality if selected due to his close proximity and relationship to Ruto as his lawyer.
