The People’s Coalition on Electoral Reforms wants IEBC to explain its applicant checks as nine candidates prepare for interviews.
The People’s Coalition on Electoral Reforms has questioned about 44 names on the IEBC CEO recruitment longlist. It wants the commission to explain how those applicants entered the selection process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement, the coalition said its review raised concerns about eligibility and the authenticity of recruitment records. It also called for closer scrutiny of applicants’ citizenship and credentials.
The coalition argued that unresolved concerns could weaken public confidence in the selection process. However, names and perceived ethnic or regional origins alone cannot establish a person’s citizenship.
Coalition seeks scrutiny of IEBC CEO recruitment
The coalition wants the commission to examine the recruitment against its electoral reform framework. In particular, its fifth demand calls for transparency, merit and integrity among officials managing democratic institutions.
It also warned that weaknesses in selecting the chief executive could affect confidence in later appointments. These include constituency and county returning officers, who help administer elections.
The concerns came a day after IEBC announced nine interview candidates from 304 valid applications. Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the commission assessed applicants against the requirements of the position.
He added that it considered gender, regional balance and the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Those considerations depended on what the applicant pool reasonably allowed.
Nine candidates set for November interviews
The shortlist includes Anthony Omerikwa of Busia, Halakhe Waqo of Marsabit and Harley Mutisya of Makueni. Also listed are Edmund Odiwuor Malitt of Homa Bay and Andrew Gitau Kimani of Nairobi.
The remaining candidates are Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi of Wajir and Edward Katama Ngeywa of Trans Nzoia. Martina Wato Yattani of Marsabit and Nelly Ilongo of Taita Taveta complete the list.
Waqo previously headed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, while Omerikwa is associated with NACADA. IEBC has scheduled interviews for November 12 and 13, 2026, and will notify candidates individually about the venue.
Meanwhile, shortlisted applicants must present identification documents, academic and professional certificates, testimonials and statutory clearances. These include documents from EACC, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Revenue Authority and Higher Education Loans Board.
Applicants must also provide clearance from a registered Credit Reference Bureau. The commission has warned that canvassing will trigger automatic disqualification.
IEBC advertised the vacancy on July 28, 2026, and closed applications on August 11. The recruitment follows Marjan Hussein Marjan’s departure by mutual agreement in February 2026.
The incoming Commission Secretary and CEO will oversee daily administration, supervise the secretariat and manage resources. The role also includes coordinating electoral activities as IEBC prepares for the August 2027 polls.
