Since the dissolution of the Samuel Kivuitu-led Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) following the disputed 2007 presidential election that triggered post-election violence, the establishment of electoral bodies has become a politically charged process. Each successive IEBC has faced accusations of bias, with claims of election rigging prompting demands for its disbandment. This contentious history underscores the high stakes surrounding the formation of a new IEBC. President Ruto’s initial nomination of a six-member panel, led by Nelson Makanda, faced opposition from Raila’s Azimio la Umoja coalition, which accused the president of attempting to manipulate the commission ahead of the 2027 elections
The swearing-in of the selection panel tasked with appointing the chairperson and commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Monday has alleviated fears of a constitutional crisis, with the next General Election less than three years away. However, the process remains fraught with potential political challenges, given the turbulent history of IEBC formations and disbandments.
Since the dissolution of the Samuel Kivuitu-led Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) after the disputed 2007 presidential election that triggered post-election violence, the establishment of electoral bodies has been a politically charged process. Each successive IEBC has faced accusations of bias, with claims of election rigging leading to demands for disbandment.
After the 2013 election, Raila Odinga’s Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) accused the Isaack Hassan-led IEBC of favouring Jubilee Alliance’s Uhuru Kenyatta. Protests, including the infamous “Tear Gas Monday” demonstrations, eventually forced the commission’s resignation. Hassan’s team was succeeded by Wafula Chebukati, who oversaw the historic annulment of a presidential election result in 2017.
The 2022 elections further deepened controversies. Chebukati’s declaration of William Ruto as president, with a narrow win over Raila Odinga, led to a dramatic fallout within the commission. Four commissioners, including Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera, accused Chebukati of announcing unverified results, resulting in their eventual resignation or removal through a tribunal initiated by Ruto.
This contentious backdrop underscores the high stakes surrounding the formation of a new IEBC. President Ruto’s initial nomination of a six-member panel led by Nelson Makanda faced opposition from Raila’s Azimio la Umoja coalition, which accused the president of attempting to manipulate the commission in preparation for the 2027 elections.
An agreement reached through the National Dialogue Committee expanded the panel to nine members, incorporating broader political representation. However, internal disputes, such as the selection of Dr. Koki Muli over Augustus Kyalo Muli as Azimio’s representative, and legal challenges over inclusivity and regional balance, delayed the process.
The swearing-in of the panel by Chief Justice Martha Koome has now paved the way for IEBC reconstitution. Justice Koome urged the panel members to resist partisan influence and prioritize public interest.
Despite this progress, concerns linger. Political dynamics have shifted dramatically, with Raila Odinga campaigning for an African Union Commission position and Opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka taking a more prominent role. Internal divisions within Raila’s ODM party and the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have further complicated the political landscape.
The IEBC, without a chairperson and commissioners for over a year, has struggled to perform critical functions, including by-elections in unrepresented constituencies and wards, boundary delimitation, voter registration, and the operationalization of election technologies. These delays have raised both local and international concerns.
As the selection panel begins its work, the credibility of the next IEBC will depend on its ability to withstand political interference. Its success or failure will determine whether Kenyans head into the 2027 elections with confidence in the electoral process or face yet another cycle of controversy and instability.
