The Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) has issued an inquiry to IEBC selection panel, demanding answers over the unexplained inclusion of six candidates in the shortlist for the vacant positions of IEBC Chairperson and commissioners.
In a recent letter dated April 16, addressed to the IEBC selection panel Chairperson Nelson Makanda, the commission expressed concerns over allegations surrounding the mysterious addition of the six candidates.
According to the commission, the six candidates were reportedly added to the shortlist shortly before the commencement of scheduled interviews.
Ombudsman questions sudden addition of 6 IEBC commissioner candidates. Photo: Courtesy.
The six candidates including Hassan Noor Hassan, Jibril Maalim Mohamed, and Michael Ben Oliewo
Other candidates whose inclusion is under scrutiny are Charles Kipyegon Mutai, Stephen Kibet Ngeno, and Joel Mwita Daniel.
The Office of the Ombudsman is seeking to understand reasons why the six, despite being part of the original pool of 1,356 applicants published on March 6, 2025, were omitted from both the original shortlist and the March 14 addendum.
The commission also seeks explanation on eight key points, including the circumstances and considerations that led to the late inclusion of the six candidates after the original shortlist had already been published.
Additionally, the Office of the Ombudsman needs details on the selection process and criteria used to add these specific six candidates and clarification on the rationale behind the March 14 addendum.
Further, the commission wants to know the timeline detailing when the decision to include the six was made and under whose authority.
The Office of the Ombudsman is also seeking assurance on the measures taken to uphold fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity throughout the selection process.
The commission has requested submission of all minutes, documentation and records related to the decision to include the six names in the shortlist.
