NAIROBI, Kenya – The High Court has cleared the way for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel list to be submitted to President William Ruto for appointment.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Dola Chepkwony dismissed allegations that the list lacked inclusivity. The judge noted there was no evidence to support claims that persons living with disabilities were excluded or that the panel failed to meet gender and regional balance requirements.
The court also rejected a petition challenging the Azimio la Umoja coalition’s nomination process. Justice Chepkwony ruled that allegations of a lack of competitive and open recruitment could not be substantiated, as Azimio was not formally part of the case.
This decision clears the path for the formation of the IEBC selection panel, which will oversee the recruitment of new commissioners to replace the previous team. The IEBC plays a crucial role in managing Kenya’s electoral processes, with the next General Election scheduled for 2027.
The ruling comes amid rising political temperatures, as leaders across the country engage in realignments and strategic positioning ahead of the polls.