A civil society organisation has raised concerns over credibility of the 2027 General-Election following shortlisting of President William Ruto’s allies including United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party official Joy Brenda Mdivo.

Operation Linda Jamii led by Prof Fred Ogola says the actions of the IEBC selection panel led by Dr Nelson Makanda have cast doubts on its credibility.

Ogola raises a red flag on how the  panel arrived at a shortlist “that looks like a selection of Ruto’s regime loyalists”.

Mdivo chairs the UDA’s Electoral Disputes Resolution Committee and is also the chairperson of the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), a State-controlled entity. “We, therefore, would like to put Kenyans on a high alert. How can a party insider be trusted to run an election fairly? This is a blatant conflict of interest and a direct violation of the constitutional requirement for an independent IEBC,” states Ogola.

The former Strathmore University lecturer says Charles Nyachae, also shortlisted, is the sitting chairman of the Kenya School of Government’s council.

Perennial State appointee

The lecturer – turned activist says Nyachae is also a perennial government appointee and a recycled bureaucrat who will serve the current political establishment known as Broad-Based Government, and not the people of Kenya.

“The IEBC is supposed to be an independent electoral body yet the Dr Makanda – led panel deliberately shortlisted individuals with clear political affiliations and clear credibility challenges,” says Ogola.

“We have put evidence in the court demonstrating that Nyachae is listed in the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB). How then would you entrust someone with Sh66 billion IEBC who inspite of coming from a wealthy family of a former minister finds himself on CRB blacklist and family feuds.”

Prof Ogola warns the Dr Makanda – led panel that it will be held responsible if the 2027 election process turns flawed.

He also warns that if Kenyans lose faith in the electoral process and if the same plunges the country into a post-election crisis, it is the role of the panel that will be recorded in history.

But the activist says the Makanda panel can still get things right and correct the skewed recruitment process of IEBC chairperson and commissioners.

“You still have a chance to do the right thing. Withdraw the flawed shortlist, repeat the process, and ensure that only the truly independent individuals are considered for these crucial positions,” says Ogola.

“If you fail to do so, you will forever be remembered as the panel that sold Kenya’s democracy to the highest bidder.”

Ogola has already filed a petition in high court urging the court to nullify the list with the shortlist by the panel. He wants a fresh, transparent and lawful selection process that ensures only qualified, independent individuals are shortlisted.