Uhuru Appoints IEBC Commissioners Interview Panel

President Uhuru Kenyatta signs the Finance Bill 2018 at State House, Nairobi.
President Uhuru Kenyatta signs the Finance Bill 2018 at State House, Nairobi.
PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta has appointed a 7-member committee in an effort to fill the four vacancies at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

According to a Kenya Gazette Notice seen by Kenyans.co.ke on Monday, April 26, President Kenyatta named Elizabeth Muli, Gideon Solonka, James Awuori, Elizabeth Odundo, Dorothy Kimengech, Joseph Mutie and Farudin Abdalla as members of the panel.

 The IEBC Act says the composition of the panel should comprise nominees from the Public Service Commission, representatives from the legal profession, the Christian and Muslim faith as well as academia.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati and President Uhuru Kenyatta at the IEBC National Tallying Centre at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi, August 11, 2017, when Uhuru was announced winner of the presidential election.jpg
IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati and President Uhuru Kenyatta at the IEBC National Tallying Centre at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi, August 11, 2017, when Uhuru was declared winner of the presidential election.jpg
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The team has been tasked with conducting the recruitment of four new IEBC commissionersThey are expected to shortlist, interview and nominate successful candidates for appointment by the president. 

The team is expected to invite applications for the four positions within seven days.

The panel will elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson from among its members at their first meeting.

The Parliamentary Service Commission will supply the selection panel with the secretariat services and equipment it needs to carry out its duties.

After creating the final list of successful candidates, the committee will forward the names to Uhuru and with the approval from Parliament, he shall appoint them as commissioners. 

IEBC's top governing organ has only 3 members, Wafula Chebukati who is the chair, Abdi Yakub Guliye and Boya Molu.

In 2018, three commissioners resigned, citing lack of confidence in the commission's chair.

Roselyn Akombe had resigned in 2017, just days to the repeat presidential poll, citing threats to her life.

EBC Chairperosn Wafula Chebukati addressing a crowd on Oct 22, 2018
EBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati at a conference held on October 22, 2018
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