The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) of the National Assembly has cleared all seven nominees to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), marking a significant milestone in the long-delayed reconstitution of the country’s electoral body.
Tabling its report in the House on Tuesday, JLAC Chairperson George Murugara said that each nominee had been subjected to a rigorous vetting process and found suitable to serve in their respective roles.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Article 252(b) of the Constitution, the committee approves the appointment of Erastus Edung Ethekon as Chairperson, and Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Arafat Abdallah as members of the IEBC,” said Murugara.
The National Assembly is now expected to debate and vote on the committee’s report, a process that will determine whether the nominees proceed to formal appointment and swearing-in.
Who Are the Nominees?
The seven were nominated by President William Ruto following recommendations from a Selection Panel chaired by Dr. Nelson Makanda. The proposed lineup includes:
- Erastus Edung Ethekon – Chairperson
- Ann Njeri Nderitu – Commissioner (Nyandarua)
- Moses Alutalala Mukhwana – Commissioner (Kakamega)
- Mary Karen Sorobit – Commissioner (Uasin Gishu)
- Hassan Noor Hassan – Commissioner (Mandera)
- Francis Odhiambo Aduol – Commissioner (Kisumu)
- Fahima Arafat Abdallah – Commissioner (Lamu)
All seven nominees appeared before the JLAC last week for public vetting and suitability interviews after being forwarded to Parliament by the Executive.
Why It Matters
This development comes amid mounting public and political pressure to restore a functional electoral commission. The IEBC has been without commissioners since January 2023, when the previous team led by former Chair Wafula Chebukati resigned.
The absence of a functioning IEBC has stalled key electoral processes, including the management of upcoming by-elections, implementation of electoral reforms, and constituency boundary reviews.
Once approved by the National Assembly, the nominees will be officially appointed by President Ruto and sworn into office, ending a prolonged institutional vacuum at the country’s top electoral body.
Looking Ahead
The reconstitution of the IEBC is considered a critical prerequisite for restoring public trust in Kenya’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election. Stakeholders across civil society and political parties have consistently urged the government to move swiftly and transparently in rebuilding the commission.
