(In Kenya) Ruto Appoints New Electoral Commission Ahead of 2027 Polls

 

Kenya’s President William Ruto has officially appointed a new chairperson and six commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), restoring leadership to a key institution that has been vacant for over a year. This announcement came through a legal notice issued late Thursday, with the new officials scheduled to be sworn in on Friday.

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This move comes as Kenya prepares for its next general election in 2027. The electoral body had been without a chairperson or commissioners since early 2023, following the end of terms for the remaining officials. The appointments follow months of delays largely caused by legal challenges, which were dismissed by the High Court just before the appointments were confirmed.

Ruto’s decision to fill the IEBC roles is seen as crucial in a country where elections have often been marred by controversy, mistrust, and sometimes violence. The commission’s new leadership will serve a four-year term, covering the lead-up to and conduct of the 2027 elections. Their selection involved a public interview process by a panel, followed by presidential approval.

The appointments come amid growing political tension in Kenya. President Ruto faces increasing public unrest, with street protests led by disaffected youth over rising living costs, police brutality, and allegations of corruption. Many young Kenyans are demanding reforms and more accountability from government institutions, including the electoral commission.

In December 2022, Ruto suspended four IEBC commissioners who had rejected the results of the 2022 presidential election, citing a lack of transparency in the tallying process. Although the dispute went to the Supreme Court, it ultimately upheld Ruto’s victory. The suspensions and legal battles further eroded public confidence in the commission.

With these new appointments, Ruto aims to stabilize the electoral body and restore trust in Kenya’s democratic processes, though critics are likely to scrutinize the commissioners’ independence ahead of the next election cycle.

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