IEBC commissioner nominee Hassan Noor Hassan when he appeared before the National Assembly's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on May 31, 2025. Photo/National Assembly
By Newsflash Writer
Seven individuals nominated to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have been approved by the National Assembly, despite concerns raised over their possible political affiliations and impartiality.
The National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), which vetted the nominees, tabled its report on Tuesday, paving the way for debate and potential endorsement by MPs today.
Those approved include Catherine Kamindo, Anne Nderitu, Dr. Salim Ndemo, Mary Chebukati, Gideon Solonka, Pamela Mutua, and George Morara. They were selected by President William Ruto from a shortlist of 36 candidates compiled by a selection panel chaired by Dr. Nelson Makanda.
JLAC chair George Murugara said the committee found all seven nominees to be qualified and fit to serve in accordance with Chapter Six of the Constitution, which deals with leadership and integrity. He assured the House that the vetting process was thorough and transparent.
However, several lawmakers raised red flags during the vetting, questioning the political pasts of some nominees. Kamindo, for example, was grilled about her previous involvement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Anne Nderitu, the current Registrar of Political Parties, was questioned about her handling of internal party disputes, particularly among major political outfits.
Dr Ndemo and Morara were also asked about their roles in past human rights campaigns and electoral disputes, which some lawmakers felt showed signs of political partiality.
Concerns over neutrality and independence
Despite these concerns, Murugara maintained that no concrete evidence was presented to disqualify the nominees. He emphasized that the new IEBC team must be allowed to operate independently and professionally as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
“The committee concluded that all the nominees possess sufficient knowledge of electoral laws, understand the Constitution, and showed impartiality during the vetting process,” said Murugara.
If endorsed by the full House, the new commissioners will succeed the team led by former chair Wafula Chebukati, whose term ended after presiding over the 2022 General Election. Their responsibilities will include voter registration, electoral boundary reviews, and overseeing credible elections.
Read more:Profiles of new IEBC nominees
Anne Nderitu’s nomination stood out due to her high-profile role as registrar of political parties. In her defense, she told the committee: “I have always adhered to the law and the Constitution in all my duties.”
Other members of the committee, including Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Gachuba Adan, and AbduRahman of Taita Taveta, backed the nominees.
Nevertheless, nominated MP Irene Mayaka and Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje cautioned the House against rubber-stamping the appointments without critically considering the candidates’ neutrality. Sabina Chege, also nominated, urged MPs to ensure that the commissioners remain independent and free from political manipulation.
“We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of previous electoral bodies,” warned Mayaka.
Murugara dismissed suggestions that the candidates were politically compromised, saying Parliament’s role was to uphold merit and professionalism in the appointments.
“We must ensure these appointments are based purely on competence and not political allegiance,” he added.
JLAC defended the selection process, stating that all candidates emerged through a competitive and transparent exercise.
“We ask Kenyans to support this new team. Our democracy depends on credible, independent institutions,” said Murugara.
Read more: Who is Erastus Ekethon, newly nominated IEBC chair?
Responding to the concerns about her performance as registrar, Nderitu said her actions had always been guided by fairness. She refuted claims of bias, asking MPs to judge her based on her record.
“I’m not sure why this vetting seems to target me personally. I have served with integrity,” she said.
Wajir West MP Yusuf Farah, meanwhile, expressed confidence in the team, noting their strong grasp of electoral processes and constitutional requirements. He urged the House to support the commissioners and help them restore public trust in Kenya’s electoral system.
The House is expected to vote on the report today, marking the final step before the nominees can be sworn in and begin their work at the IEBC.
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