Opposition leaders have raised concerns over the shortlisting of government employees and allies of President William Ruto for the IEBC jobs.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, March 1, Martha Karua expressed reservations over the candidature of Joy Mdivo, who is seeking to become the new IEBC chairperson.
In particular, Karua, who was flanked by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, questioned whether she would be impartial given that she held a role in UDA.
Mdivo was also appointed as Kenya Power board chairman by Ruto.
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"She has been the chairperson of the UDA internal dispute resolution committee. It is clear that she is not eligible for consideration as IEBC commissioner as stipulated in Article 88 of the constitution," Karua noted.
"Why was she shortlisted by the IEBC selection panel? This is a clear violation of the constitution."
Consequently, the leaders called on the candidates to withdraw their candidature, noting that the electoral body needed to have candidates that were impartial.
Additionally, the team also questioned the shortlisting of Katwa Kigen who has been Ruto's lawyer.
"Ruto's personal advocate is also set for an interview as a possible commissioner. How can a person bound by the principle of client confidentiality be expected to discharge his constitutional duty free of actual or perceived conflict of interest?"
Meanwhile, the leaders questioned whether the National Intelligence Service (NIS) has taken a role in the recruitment of the IEBC officials.
"There are growing concerns of NIS, which has been accused of abductions. We challenge the IEBC panel to explain the shortlisting of Midivo and Kigen and the role, if any, of the NIS in the selection process," read the statement in part.
