The appointment of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO, Ezra Chiloba, to the position of the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has attracted a backlash from Kenyans.
Chiloba was fired from the IEBC in October 2018 after he failed to appear before the disciplinary committee of the commission to answer to audit queries.
With the hashtag Ezra Chiloba, a section of Kenyans argued that his appointment to CA-K would be instrumental to what happens during the 2022 General Election.
"Communications Authority (CA) is the organ that implements political decisions on internet, radio and TV shutdowns. 2022 being an election year, and with Uhuru so invested in manipulating his succession... Is it by mistake that Ezra Chiloba has been appointed DG of CA?" political activist, Waikwa Wanyoike, wondered.
"I did share privately with someone about the impending appointment of Ezra Chiloba last week because he has the "expertise and necessary experience" to deliver 2022 presidential election," Kinuthia Pius, a political aspirant stated.
Former IEBC commissioner, Roselyn Akombe, who served with Chiloba, also weighed in on the matter saying that the appointment of the new CA-K Director General had sealed the 2022 elections.
"The tactics of repression are chilling but what I found fascinating is how they use lobbying/PR firms to project an image of democracy, development, stability and good governance," Akombe stated.
On his part, lawyer Miguna Miguna insinuated that ODM leader Raila Odinga was being played.
The CA-K board announced that Chiloba will begin his duties at the authority immediately.
In the released statement, CA-K stated that Chiloba is a policy consultant and principle partner with Chil and Kemp consultancy and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
"Chiloba previously worked as a Team Leader and Deputy Chief of Party with Development Alternative Inc. He was previously a Projects Analyst in charge of governance, electoral systems and processes with the United Nations Development Program in Nairobi," the appointing statement read.
