A civil society accredited to observe the 2022 elections has questioned the appointment of Ezra Chiloba as the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General.
In a statement dated Tuesday, June 11, Civicus expressed fears that the appointment of the former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO was influenced by the upcoming General Election.
The group alleged that President Uhuru Kenyatta influenced Chiloba's appointment to CA with the aim of controlling the media and telecommunication agencies during the electioneering period.
"President Uhuru Kenyatta recently appointed a new head of the Communications Authority of Kenya, seemingly consolidating the ruling party's power over a strategically important body that is supposed to be non-partisan, in what may be seen as an effort to extend the government's control over the media less than a year before the elections.
"The possibility of political interference undermines the body's mandate to serve as a watchdog for public media and to monitor the operations of the state news agency. In theory, the authority is responsible for ensuring fair and impartial reporting on the upcoming elections, but there is a risk that it will be used to limit the space for independent media," read the organisation's statement in part.
Further, Civicus stated that the electoral process needed to be keenly observed to guarantee the credibility of the polls.
"Kenya has been added to a watch list of countries that have seen a steady decline in civic freedoms. In the run-up to the August elections, civic space continues to deteriorate as authorities systemically use brutal and lethal force against peaceful protesters."
Contrary to the report, Chiloba was appointed by the CA Board for a period of four years following the exit of Mercy Wanjau who held the position in an acting capacity.
The appointment of Chiloba in September last year saw leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza faction raise concerns over the CA's choice as they alleged that there may be plans to interfere with the integrity of the polls.
In April, Garissa Township Member of Parliament, Aden Duale, accused Chiloba of working with the deep state amid the controversy on sim reregistration which he claimed was part of the government's plan to rig the polls.
Duale stated that the Deputy President William Ruto-led faction would keenly observe Chiloba during the electioneering period.
“You have not been taken to CA as an ordinary Director General, we know what you want to do on the polling day as far as the internet is concerned, we know the data you are collecting and we know you are working for the deep state, and we will flag you.
"We are telling Chiloba we know you. Sooner or later we are going to monitor you. We know what you want to do on the polling day as far as the internet is concerned," Duale stated.
