Kenyans are now raising serious concerns about the fairness and honesty of the process to pick new commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). This comes after six extra names were suddenly added to the list of candidates who are supposed to attend final interviews.
These names were not included in the official shortlist that was published on March 6, and they were also missing from any official update or addendum that followed. Their sudden inclusion, just days before interviews began, has shocked many people across the country.
The six individuals added are Hassan Noor Hassan, Jibril Maalim Mohamed, Michael Ben Oliewo, Charles Kipyegon Mutai, Stephen Kibet Ngeno, and Joel Mwita Daniel.
While it is true that all of them were part of the 1,356 applicants who showed interest in the IEBC jobs, they were not selected in the official shortlist. Many Kenyans are wondering how their names ended up on the final interview list without any public explanation or documentation.
This has led to accusations that the selection process is being manipulated behind closed doors. Among the six, Hassan Noor Hassan stands out. He previously served in the government of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and even ran for Mandera governor in the 2022 elections, though he was not successful.
Some believe that his political background raises questions about whether this process is being used to reward political allies instead of selecting qualified and independent individuals.
Legal experts have warned that adding these names without following the proper steps could be illegal and could lead to court challenges. This may cause even more delays in forming a new IEBC team.
It has already been more than two years since the commission was fully operational, and many fear that continued delays will affect future elections and public trust in the system.The chairperson of the selection panel, Dr. Nelson Makanda, claimed that the extra names were added to improve regional balance and bring in more youth representation.
However, this explanation has not convinced many. Critics argue that such major changes should have been done openly and earlier in the process, not quietly at the last minute.Leaders from the opposition have also joined in questioning the process. Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. are among those demanding answers.
They say the process must be transparent and accountable, especially because the IEBC plays such a critical role in Kenya’s democracy. Without a clear explanation, many fear this controversy will reduce public confidence in both the panel and the future commissioners it chooses.
