President William Ruto’s lawyer, Katwa Kigen, has unexpectedly withdrawn from the ongoing interviews for the position of commissioner at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
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Concerns Over Impartiality Prompt Exit
Kigen, who was scheduled to appear before the IEBC selection panel on Thursday, cited a desire to avoid “unnecessary attention” that might divert focus from the commission’s core responsibilities. His withdrawal comes amid growing public scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest due to his previous roles representing President Ruto — both during the 2022 presidential petition and at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Rising Tensions Over Selection Transparency
The IEBC selection process has recently come under fire following revelations that six additional candidates were silently added to the list of applicants. Initially, 105 candidates were listed as of March 14, 2025. However, by March 25, that number had mysteriously grown to 111 without clear explanation from the selection panel.
Makanda Panel Under Pressure
Nelson Makanda, who chairs the IEBC Selection Panel, has offered vague remarks on the inclusion of the extra candidates, saying only that, “The mandate to shortlist belongs to the panel.” This lack of clarity has sparked concerns over transparency and accountability within the process, with many questioning whether public trust in the IEBC can be restored before the 2025 elections.
Also Read:IEBC Reconstitution: Roles and Functions of Commissioners in Kenya
What Happens Next?
The interview process for the 111 shortlisted candidates is set to conclude by May 12. After that, the panel will submit two names for the chairperson post and nine for the commissioner positions. President Ruto will then appoint the final chair and six commissioners from the recommended pool.
But with the current cloud of controversy, Katwa Kigen’s exit might be just the beginning of broader questions about the fairness and independence of Kenya’s electoral processes.
