Registrar of Political Parties grilled during second day of IEBC Commissioners vetting

On the second day of vetting for Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner hopefuls, six candidates faced the panel led by Nelson Makanda. 

Ahmed Sheikh, Alamitu Guyo, Albert Nguma, Kahi Indimuli, Ali Nur and Ann Nderitu, all aimed to convince the panel of their suitability for the role.

The panel, on the other hand, asked tough questions. Ann Nderitu, the Registrar of Political Parties, was grilled on her eligibility for the position.

"In our advertisement, we specified that those holding state offices are not eligible,” said Andrew Tanui, Member of the IEBC Selection Panel.

"I am eligible because we are still in the interview process. I haven’t been appointed yet. If I am appointed, I will relinquish my position at the ORPP,” Nderitu said in a response.

Alamitu Guyo, who is the wife of Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, also faced tough questions about allegations of her arrest by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers last year over corruption claims involving the Marsabit County Government.

"I was not under arrest, nor was I under investigation. I only needed to sign an inventory in the absence of my husband. I followed them and signed, so for the record, I was not arrested,” said Guyo.

Each candidate made their case, presenting their qualifications, vision and innovative ideas for transforming the IEBC into a more transparent, efficient and credible institution.

"One of the strategies for technology is to ensure that the vote from the source to the tallying center is fully protected,” said Sheikh.

"There must be clear channels of communication to earn public trust,” added Indimuli.

As the interviews continue, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has raised concerns over what he describes as a process aimed at creating a partisan electoral body.

He pointed to the ODM and UDA working framework, urging both parties to consult with the opposition to restore public confidence in the IEBC.

“I demand that the UDA/ODM alliance engage in meaningful consultation and agreement with the opposition to strengthen public confidence in the IEBC,” said Kalonzo.

“Should the UDA/ODM alliance proceed with the appointment of the IEBC Chairperson and Commissioners without the meaningful participation of the opposition, it will be perceived as an attempt to establish a partisan electoral body and pre-rig the upcoming elections.”

The vetting of candidates will continue on Tuesday, April 1.