Kenyans are being requested to pray especially as the IEBC Selection Panel starts the recruiting process for the new Commission.
A credible electoral agency will be delivered to Kenyans by the panel tasked with selecting Wafula Chebukati’s replacement and six more Commissioners. The panel pledged in its opening remarks at its first meeting at the KICC to do its work thoroughly and to the satisfaction of all Kenyans.
The panel chose Nelson Makanda to serve as its chairman during its initial meeting; Charity Kisotu will serve as his acting chairperson.
“Since this work is difficult, Kenyans pray for us. To reassure Kenyans that we would perform well, “said Makanda.
“The panel has pledged to carry out its duty with the sanctity it demands and to allow those who defend the rule of law to constitute the next Commission,” the statement reads.
Bethuel Sugut and Novince Euralia Atieno, who are both from the Parliamentary Service Commission, are also on the panel. Evans Misati James, head of the Political Parties Liaison Committee, will speak on behalf of the group. LSK’s Benson Ngugi Njeri and Namlef’s Fatuma Saman
Makanda invited competent Kenyans to apply and added that the body would advertise the open IEBC jobs in Tuesday dailies.
As mandated by law, he stated, “I want to reassure Kenyans that the Panel will submit advertising for the open positions of IEBC Commissioners in the local dailies this week. I would want to use this opportunity to encourage Kenyans to view the job postings and submit their applications to the panel in the manner specified.
The Panel will shortlist applicants after receiving their applications, and those chosen for interviews will then be invited. As the panel begins its work, Azimio leader Raila Odinga has escalated his political conflict with Ruto, and one of his demands is to halt the IEBC hiring process so that all stakeholders can participate.
Moreover, Raila resigned from the panel’s creation, claiming that the recently revised statute favors President William Ruto. Makanda, however, asserted that all parties, including political parties, had been represented on the panel in accordance with the legislation.