New Faces, Same old Fears at IEBC

Nairobi, Kenya – July 13, 2025
By Edward Lyomu | Mulembe Times

After nearly two years of uncertainty and institutional paralysis, President William Ruto has officially appointed a new chairperson and six commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), marking a critical step ahead of the 2027 General Election.

While the reconstitution ends a prolonged leadership vacuum, it has not quelled widespread anxiety. Critics warn that the appointments, though legal, may have been politically skewed, raising fears about independence, preparedness, and public trust in Kenya’s top electoral body.

A Delayed Reconstitution

The IEBC has operated without commissioners since early 2023, following the exit of former chair Wafula Chebukati and the resignation of the four dissenting commissioners known as the “Cherera Four.” Since then, electoral reforms, boundary reviews, and by-elections have stalled.

Delays in appointments led to repeated warnings from civil society and international observers, including the European Union Election Follow-up Mission, which said that the impasse directly undermined key reforms required to strengthen future elections.

In a high court ruling delivered on May 29, 2025, the Employment and Labour Relations Court also struck down initial job advertisements by the Social Health Authority (SHA) that appeared to favor former NHIF employees—citing the need for fair, open, and transparent processes. A similar principle now echoes in the electoral sphere.

Integrity of Process Questioned

Despite the formal appointment, questions have emerged about how independent or qualified the new IEBC team is. Former IEBC CEO James Oswago cautioned that the newly named commissioners lack hands-on experience and should undergo at least two years of training before leading a national election.

“There’s no time to learn on the job,” Oswago warned. “Election management is technical, and Kenya’s political climate demands precision.”

Critics have also noted that several appointees appear to have ties to the ruling coalition, a factor that risks compromising public trust in the commission’s neutrality.

Civil society groups and opposition figures have demanded full transparency in the selection process, arguing that the IEBC’s credibility is only as strong as the public’s confidence in it.

What the New Team Faces

With barely two years until the 2027 General Election, the IEBC has a mountain of responsibilities ahead, including:

• Conducting pending by-elections;
• Completing the boundary delimitation process;
• Overhauling the voter register;
• Implementing long-delayed electoral reforms;
• Establishing polling logistics, procurement, and staff training.

The EU Mission, in its most recent advisory, stressed the need for the IEBC to release clear timelines, strategic plans, and transparent budgets to guide public expectations and donor support.

Parliamentarians and Legal Experts Weigh In

Several lawmakers, including Kilifi North MP Owen Baya and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, have spoken out about the urgency of electoral reforms. Kaluma emphasized the need to audit and rebuild the voter register and warned against allowing external interference.

Legal scholars have also pointed to the SHA court ruling as a precedent: all public bodies must ensure hiring and appointments reflect the principles of equality, merit, and non-discrimination, as set out in Article 232 of the Constitution. Public Sentiment: Optimism Meets Distrust

Despite the high stakes and expectations, many Kenyans remain skeptical.

“There may be new faces, but the fears are familiar,” said one Nairobi voter. “We’ve seen commissions before promise transparency only to fall into political games.”

Until the IEBC demonstrates impartiality, operational efficiency, and integrity in action, many citizens and observers remain cautious about its ability to deliver a credible 2027 election.

The next test for the IEBC will be how it conducts upcoming by-elections, manages the boundary review, and restores public faith in the voting process. The commission must prioritize:

• Hands-on training for all new commissioners;
• Publication of transparent operational timelines;
• Proactive public engagement to build trust;
• And strict non-partisan operations moving forward.

With Kenya’s political future hanging in the balance, the reconstituted IEBC faces the ultimate challenge: proving that **“new faces” can indeed bring about **new accountability—**and not just repeat old mistakes.