Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has launched a sharp critique of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, questioning the effectiveness of their interview process for potential commission chairpersons.

In a statement posted on his X account on March 25, 2025, Sifuna voiced his frustration with the ongoing interviews, which he believes employ a fundamentally flawed approach to choosing IEBC’s top leadership.

“I’m not sure what this IEBC selection panel is looking for in these applicants,” Sifuna stated.

The political leader specifically criticized panel members for asking “long, windy questions” that do not adequately explore the candidates’ qualifications and unique attributes.

He argued that the current interview method fails to effectively highlight candidates’ strengths or assess their qualifications for the crucial leadership role.

“The members have long, windy questions that don’t seem to be helping to bring out the unique attributes of the candidates that qualify them for the job,” Sifuna stated.

IEBC interviews

The lawmaker’s remarks come as the selection panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda, continues conducting interviews for the position of IEBC chairperson.

The interview process, which began on March 24, is set to run for three days, concluding on March 26, 2025.

Makanda has shortlisted 11 individuals for the position—eight males and three females—to replace the late Wafula Chebukati.

The candidates include former Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi, former chair of the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) Charles Nyachae, and former Deputy Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Francis Kakai Kissinger.

Other candidates are Kenya Power Board Chairperson Joy Brenda Mdivo, ex-Turkana County Attorney Erastus Edung Ethekon, ex-Nairobi County Assembly Clerk Jacob Ngwele, and lawyers Robert Asembo, Abdulqadir Lorut Ramadhan, Saul Simiyu Wasilwa, Lillian Wanjiku Manegene, and Edward Katana Ngweywa, who is a person with a disability.

On March 24, 2025, Nyachae, Amadi, Ramadhan, and Ngeywa appeared before the selection panel to discuss their suitability for the role.

Today, Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, and Joy Brenda Masinde-Mdivo will be interviewed.

On the final day, March 26, 2025, Lillian Wanjiku Manegene, Robert Akumu Asembo, and Saul Simiyu Wasilwa will take their turn before the selection panel.

Additionally, the panel has shortlisted 105 other candidates for the six vacant IEBC Commissioner positions. The interviews are taking place at the College of Insurance in South C, Nairobi.