The Selection Panel for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) members have maintained that the interview process was conducted in conformity with the law, with no gaps to attract court cases. The panel concluded the interviews yesterday, having grilled 11 candidates for the position of chairman.

However, out of the 111 candidates shortlisted for the position of commissioner members, 107 candidates presented themselves for interviews, with four candidates opting out for personal reasons.

“We were given 90 days by Act of Parliament, which expires this Sunday. We sought to have more days, and Parliament gave us 14 more days which end May 11. By then, we shall have given the names to the President,” the Panel chairman, Nelson Makanda said.

Makanda cleared the air on the controversial six names his team allegedly sneaked in for interviews after it concluded the shortlisting exercise, saying the panel did not act in secrecy since it published the names.

Public process

“It is our role and responsibility as the selection panel to shortlist the 105 names, and upon consideration, we included six more names. It was not a sneak-in, we published the names. You can evaluate them because they appeared before the panel and assess their capability,” he clarified.

Among the names that were included in the last minute were Kipyegon Mutai, Hassan Noor Hassan, Michael Ben Oliewo, Jibril Maalim Mohammed, Charles Stephen Kibet Ngeno, and Joel Mwita Daniel.

“We held the interviews publicly. We have evaluated and, using that evaluation, the panel will take due diligence as per the constitution that requires we pick competent people, ,” he stated.

Upon handing the names to the President, the chairman maintained that his panel would not be liable for the conduct of the interviewees who eventually become IEBC commissioners.

Members of the Selection Panel included newly appointed Meru Deputy Governor Kiome Lindah Gakii, who was the vice chair, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech and Fatuma Saman.