Ruto Issued Demand Over Choosing Erastus Edung Ethekon As IEBC Chairperson
The panel, led by Nelson Makanda, submitted its report to President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) is calling for the public release of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel's report, which outlines the recommended appointees to the electoral commission.
The panel, led by Nelson Makanda, submitted its report to President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 6, following the conclusion of interviews that resulted in the nomination of Erastus Edung Ethekon from Turkana County as the next IEBC chairperson. 
In a statement issued on Friday, May 9, the watchdog said making the report public would enhance transparency in the process, further arguing that Kenyans have a right to access the report, as the selected commissioners will be responsible for overseeing future elections in the country.
President William Ruto receives the official report on the IEBC Chairperson and Commissioner recruitment process at State House, Nairobi on May 5, 2025. /PCS
ELOG is a coalition of civil society and faith-based organisations that collaborate to promote democracy in Kenya and across Africa by offering a long-term platform for monitoring and observing electoral processes.
"The report was only submitted to the president and was not made public. We demand the immediate release of the full recruitment report. Transparency and accountability through the observance of open data principles are fundamental for good governance," ELOG stated.
ELOG also expressed concern over the inclusion of six additional names in the shortlist, pointing out that no clear explanation was provided to the public. "Our only concern during this process was the addition of six more names to the shortlist without clear information to the public on why this was done," added the statement.
The group nonetheless praised the selection panel for holding the interviews transparently and openly, while stressing that public oversight is crucial to guarantee that choices are driven by merit, not favouritism or corruption.
The IEBC selection panel wrapped up its interviews on April 25 after a month-long vetting process, with interviews for the chairperson position completed earlier on March 26.
President Ruto has since nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the next IEBC chairperson. Also named for appointment to the commission were Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, Fahima Araphat Abdallah, Mary Karen Sorobit, Ann Njeri Nderitu, and Moses Alutalala Mukhwana.
These seven nominees will officially join the electoral commission if approved by Parliament.
Meanwhile, opposition figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have voiced objections to the nominations, saying they were left out of the consultation process.
“We are extremely concerned that Mr. Ruto chose to be partisan by ignoring the Principle of Consultation and Concurrence in his recommendations of the Chairman and Members of IEBC. This action has automatically created a low-trust institution," he added.
The IEBC national tallying centre at Bomas of Kenya. /BOMAS OF KENYA
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