President Ruto’s Close Ally Withdraws Candidature for IEBC Commissioner Job

President William Ruto’s lawyer Katwa Kigen has pulled himself out from the ongoing IEBC Commissioner interviews citing concerns over his suitability for the position. According to Kigen, he wants to avoid ‘unnecessary diversion’ from commission’s critical role.

Kigen, who was to appear before the IEBC selection panel, scheduled on Thursday 10 April, argued that he has chosen to honour his decision to avoid drawing attention from the public that his closeness with President William Ruto could see him favorite for the position.

Kigen represented President Ruto during the 2022 presidential petition at the Supreme Court and was part of his International Criminal Court defence as well.

Arguably, his interest in the position of IEBC Commissioner had raised impartiality concerns with majority of the public questioning his close ties with the president.

However, his decision to apply for the role had since sparked debate with former LSK President Nelson Havi being on the frontline to criticize the decision by Katwa Kigen to apply for IEBC commissioner.

“We have a problem of accountability and integrity in Kenya. Why would the President’s known Advocate for over 20 years apply to serve in an IEBC to oversight an election where the President will be a candidate? Is the candidate stupid or he thinks all Kenyans are stupid?” Nelson Havi questioned