Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) nominees (from left) Erastus Edung Ethekon, Fahima Araphat Abdallah and Prof Francis Odhiambo Aduol.
The seven nominees to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) now just need to overcome one final hurdle before they can formally assume office as commissioners of the electoral agency.
The National Assembly's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee has approved the appointment of all seven nominees.
In its report, tabled in the House Tuesday, the committee, chaired by Tharaka MP George Murugara, called on the House to adopt the report, which found the nominees suitable to assume office.
“Pursuant to Article 252 (b) of the constitution, the Justice and Legal Affairs committee approves the appointment of the nomination of the chairperson and members of the commission to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission,” Mr Murugara said.
However, the report still has to be either rejected or approved by the whole House.
Even if the nominees receive the House's approval, they will not assume office as the courts have blocked their swearing-in until a case challenging their nomination is heard and determined.
On Saturday, the nominees were all vetted, facing tough questions about their relationship with the political class and their commitment to delivering credible elections in 2027.
Close relationship with political class
Appearing separately before the National Assembly's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, the nominees told lawmakers that they would be guided by the law, and would not be influenced by outside forces or serve the whims of the political class.
The nominees denied claims of a close relationship with the political class, including President William Ruto and the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, which lawmakers expressed concern might affect their work if they are approved.
Mr Erastus Ethekon, nominated as chairperson of the commission, fought allegations of having a close relationship with Mr Josephat Nanok, the former Turkana governor who is currently working at State House.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson nominee Erastus Edung Ethekon before the justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
Mr Ethekon said that the country has elaborate laws to guide elections, and that he will adhere to these while carrying out his duties, which have been approved by Parliament.
“I shall be guided by the law and be impartial. No office shall influence my decisions while I am in office,” he added.
Mr Ethekon, who is worth Sh276 million, assured the committee that, if approved, he would deliver a credible election and would be guided solely by the constitution.
“I took this role knowing there is a lot Kenyans expect from us. The issues of trust, credibility and transparency. I will be guided by the constitution of Kenya and follow all the laws of Kenya that will lead us to credible and verifiable elections,” Mr Ethekon said.
During the vetting process, the seven nominees were asked how they would restore the trust deficit between the body and Kenyans if they were approved.
Members of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee expressed concern that Kenyans are disillusioned, which is why young people are not interested in registering to vote, as they feel their vote doesn't count.
