In a highly competitive race for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson position, 37 applicants have emerged, among them prominent figures such as Oswago, Amadi, and Nyachae. The applicant pool includes a diverse range of candidates, reflecting the intense interest in steering Kenya’s electoral body during a critical time.
A Snapshot of the Candidate List
The list of contenders also features Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan, Calistus Wekesa Waswa, Cedrick Ogoro Mukhwana, Choge Rollince, Chrisphine Otieno Owiye, and Edward Katama Ngeywa. Additional names include Erastus Edung Ethekon, Fred Khaemba Masungu, Isaac Mutie Mutua, Jackson Angortum, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, Josiah Onyancha, and Justry Patrick Lumumba Nyaberi. The roster extends further with candidates such as Kadhua Jimmy Kahindi, Kenneth Kiplimo Kemboi, Kibet Victor, Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, Nelly Peris Ashubwe, Patrick Omutia Otuliia, and Peterkin Nyongesa. The final batch of applicants comprises Samson Ouma Ogada, Samuel Kariuki Kiragu, Samuel Osewe Ochillo, Saul Simiyu Wasilwa, Thomas Maosa Nyakambi, Vincent Omondi Oluoch, Walubengo Waningilo, William Otieno Oketch, Wilson Wambungu Maina, Wyclife Kiprotich Kiprono Bonnke, and Yvonne Mercy Olaka.
Insights from the IEBC Selection Panel
Dr. Nelson Makanda, Chairperson of the IEBC Selection Panel, provided details on the application process. Although a total of 1848 applications were received via hand delivery, post, and email, the panel had to filter out duplicates and incomplete submissions. After this rigorous process, 211 applicants were found to have submitted multiple entries, 91 failed to reference the positions correctly as required by the advertisement, and 14 applied for positions that were not advertised. Additionally, 176 applicants responded to the automated confirmation email. Consequently, the final count of acceptable applications stands at 1356.
Dr. Makanda noted,
“The names and detailed qualifications of all the applicants for the positions of Chairperson and Member of the IEBC are available on the website of the Parliamentary Service Commission, www.parliament.go.ke, and in the Kenya Gazette.”
What Lies Ahead?
With a robust pool of candidates vying for the leadership of the IEBC, the selection process promises to be both challenging and decisive. Observers are keenly watching as the process unfolds, with the final appointment set to have significant implications for Kenya’s electoral landscape.
