From 105 to 111: IEBC Selection Panel silent on six mystery candidates added to interview list

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel is facing mounting questions about its silence on the sudden inclusion of six additional candidates for the position of Commissioners.

This unexpected twist has sparked controversy, raising questions about transparency and accountability in a process already tainted by skepticism from the opposition.

The initial list, published on March 14, 2025, featured 105 candidates vying for the coveted positions.

But just 11 days later on March 25, the list expanded to 111 candidates—a change that was not properly explained.

So, what happened during those 11 days? Were these six names an afterthought, pulled out of thin air, or simply forgotten?

For an institution already struggling with public trust, the IEBC’s track record with its commissioners has been less than stellar. The latest drama surrounding six extra names serving the latest query among Kenyans.

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

The six names added to the vetting list are: Hassan Noor Hassan, Jibril Maalim Mohamed, Michaels Ben Oliewo, Charles Kipyegon Mutai, Stephen Kibet Ngeno, and Joel Mwita Daniel.

Despite Citizen TV's inquiries, the Selection Panel has remained tight-lipped. The only explanation so far from chairperson Makanda has been vague, stating that: “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's response lacking the necessary explanation on why the names were left out at the initial stage, despite all the candidates submitting their documents by the required deadline.

With the interviews of the 111 shortlisted candidates set to conclude by May 12, the Selection Panel will then submit two names for the chairperson position and nine for the commissioners.

From there, the President will select the final chairperson and six commissioners. But with the six surprise candidates, the question of public trust in the electoral body will remain a dark cloud.

With recent events in mind regarding the hurried recruitment of four commissioners in the last IEBC still fresh in the collective memory of Kenyans, the selection panel is likely to create yet another flashpoint on a sensitive matter: election management.