Scrutiny or spectacle? IEBC interviews test for Kenya polls credibility

As the curtains rise on the much-anticipated interviews for new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission commissioners, set to begin on the 24th of this month, the nation stands at a pivotal moment.
The process, spearheaded by the Parliamentary Service Commission ,is not merely a procedural exercise but a defining test of Kenya’s commitment to democratic principles.
With the scars of the 2022 electoral disputes still fresh and the shadow of the “Cherera Four” resignation saga lingering, the interviews are a litmus test for the credibility of the 2027 polls.Will Parliament rise to the occasion and deliver a rigorous, transparent, and impartial process? Or will vested interests and political maneuvering undermine the integrity of the commission tasked with safeguarding Kenya’s democracy?
The resignation of four IEBC commissioners—Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Irene Masit, and Justus Nyang’aya—following the contentious 2022 general elections exposed deep fissures within the electoral body. Their departure, marred by allegations of bias and internal discord, not only eroded public trust but also highlighted the vulnerabilities of an institution meant to be the cornerstone of electoral fairness. The fallout from their exit has cast a long shadow over the upcoming interviews, with many Kenyans questioning whether the new commissioners will be any different.
“The Cherera Four episode was a stark reminder of how political interference and personal interests can compromise the integrity of the electoral process,” Lawyer Wills Otieno, a renowned election expert told Kurunzi News.
“The new commissioners must be individuals of unwavering integrity, with a deep commitment to the principles of fairness, transparency, and independence. Anything less would be a betrayal of the public trust.”
The lessons from the Cherera Four are clear: the IEBC cannot afford another set of commissioners who are perceived as partisan or easily swayed by external influences. The credibility of the 2027 elections hinges on the ability of the new team to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
The late Wafula Chebukati, former IEBC chairman, remains a polarizing figure in Kenya’s electoral history. While his tenure was not without controversy, his steadfast commitment to the integrity and fairness doctrine of elections offers valuable lessons for the incoming commissioners. In one of his last public addresses, Chebukati emphasized the importance of an independent and impartial electoral body.
“The IEBC must be a fortress of integrity,” Chebukati said. “Elections are not just about numbers; they are about the will of the people. Any compromise on integrity is a betrayal of the public trust. The commission must remain independent, impartial, and resolute in its commitment to delivering free and fair elections.”
Chebukati’s words resonate deeply as Kenya prepares to select new commissioners. The incoming team must embody the principles he championed, ensuring that the 2027 elections are free, fair, and beyond reproach.
Parliament Role: Scrutiny or spectacle?
The Parliamentary Service Commission, tasked with conducting the interviews, faces immense pressure to deliver a credible process. Parliament’s ability to scrutinize candidates thoroughly and impartially will determine the success of the exercise. However, concerns about political interference and vested interests have cast doubt on whether MPs will rise to the occasion.
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Lawyer Bobby Mkangi, a constitutional expert, warns that Parliament must avoid the pitfalls of past recruitment exercises.
“The process must be transparent and merit-based,” Mkangi says. “Parliament has a constitutional duty to ensure that only the most qualified and impartial individuals are appointed to the IEBC. Anything less would be a disservice to the nation. The credibility of the 2027 elections depends on the integrity of the commissioners, and Parliament must not falter in its responsibility.”
Mkangi’s concerns are echoed by many Kenyans, who fear that political considerations may overshadow the need for competence and integrity. The public will be watching closely to see whether Parliament conducts a rigorous and unbiased process or succumbs to the temptation of rubber-stamping politically connected candidates.
Citizenry expectations: A demand for transparency
For ordinary Kenyans, the IEBC interviews are more than just a bureaucratic exercise; they are a matter of national importance. The credibility of the 2027 elections depends on the quality of the commissioners selected, and citizens are demanding nothing less than the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
“We want commissioners who will put the interests of the country first,” says Jane Mwangi, a Nairobi resident. “We cannot afford another election marred by controversy and mistrust. The new team must be beyond reproach. Parliament must ensure that the process is fair and transparent, and that only the best candidates are selected.”
Similar sentiments are shared by many Kenyans, who view the interviews as an opportunity to reset the electoral body and restore public confidence. The citizenry’s expectations are clear: the process must be fair, transparent, and free from political interference.
One of the biggest challenges facing the recruitment process is the potential for vested interests to influence the outcome. Political parties and other stakeholders may seek to install commissioners who are sympathetic to their agendas, undermining the independence of the IEBC.
“The recruitment process must be insulated from political interference,” says Lawyer Wills Otieno. “The IEBC is not an extension of the executive or the legislature; it is an independent body tasked with upholding the will of the people. Any attempt to compromise its independence would be a grave injustice to the nation. Parliament must resist the temptation to prioritize political expediency over the national interest.”
Otieno’s warning underscores the need for vigilance in the coming weeks. Parliament must resist the temptation to prioritize political expediency over the national interest, ensuring that the new commissioners are selected based on merit and integrity rather than political connections.
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The road to 2027
The IEBC interviews are not just about filling vacant positions; they are about shaping the future of Kenya’s democracy. The credibility of the 2027 elections depends on the ability of the new commissioners to deliver a free, fair, and transparent process. Parliament, as the custodian of this critical exercise, must rise to the occasion and demonstrate its commitment to the principles of good governance and accountability.
As the interviews begin, all eyes will be on Parliament to see whether it can deliver a process that meets the expectations of the Kenyan people. The lessons of the Cherera Four and the legacy of the late Wafula Chebukati serve as a reminder of what is at stake. Kenya’s democracy is on trial, and the outcome of these interviews will determine whether the nation passes or fails.
As Lawyer Bobby Mkangi aptly puts it, “The IEBC is the guardian of our democracy. Its credibility is non-negotiable. Parliament must ensure that the new commissioners are individuals of the highest caliber, capable of upholding the sanctity of the electoral process.”
The road to 2027 begins now. Kenya’s democracy depends on it. The interviews are not just a test for the candidates but for Parliament and the nation as a whole. The choices made in the coming weeks will define Kenya’s democratic trajectory for years to come.