Elections observer questions sudden addition of 6 IEBC commissioner candidates

This after the number of candidates vying for the position rose to 111 as of Wednesday from the initial 105. 

In a communiqué, ELOG stated that the sudden development has raised transparency and accountability questions on why the process is not being made public.

The Group further demanded the IEBC selection panel to uphold integrity and explain the procedure used to select the added candidates, noting that the process should remain under the confines of relevant law provisions.

"The Panel should publicly explain the process used to identify and bring in the six applicants to uphold transparency and public trust in the process," read the statement in part.

The six, include Hassan Noor Hassan, Jibril Maalim Mohamed, Michaels Ben Oliewo, Charles Kipyegon Mutai, Stephen Kibet Ngano and Joel Mwita Daniels. 

Citizen TV's attempt to seek a response from the Selection Panel turned futile as it remained tight-lipped.

The Selection Panel, led by Nelson Makanda, has failed to provide any satisfactory explanation, merely suggesting they forgot to include the names.

“The mandate to shortlist belongs to the panel. The nation should wait for the list of 11 nominees to judge us. We shall do Kenyans proud," Makanda vaguely responded.

The interviews are set to conclude by May 12 and the Selection Panel will submit two names for the chairperson position and nine for the commissioners.

President William Ruto will then select the final chairperson and six commissioners.